Abstract: Apparatus for launching and retrieving cup pigs in pipelines. A vertically oriented pig launching barrel is isolated from pipeline pressure, blown down to atmospheric pressure and then loaded with a number of cup pigs. After the pig launching barrel has been sealed and equalized with line pressure it is placed in pig launching communication with the pipeline. Holding and launching rams are then actuated automatically in accordance with a timed sequence or selectively under manual control to cause sequential or selective gravity and flow induced launching of cup pigs into the pipeline. Following passage through the pipeline the cup pigs are separated from the flowing fluid by a pig receiving barrel which is also capable of containing a number of cup pigs.