Abstract: A system for winding or unwinding lengths of an elongated article such as an underwater conduit or cable, in succession, from a plurality of spools. The system includes two spaced apart spindles which can be moved vertically, horizontally in the direction of unwinding of the article, and toward each other, so that the spindles can be used to handle the spools when the spools are supported with their axes perpendicular to the direction of unwinding of the article. By this arrangement, one spool can be unwound, deposited on the deck of a ship, and the spindles can be moved to the second spool to pick up the spool for unwinding. The system can be used to unwind lengths of underwater conduit, during the laying of the conduit in a marine environment.