Abstract During casing running, risks of accidents with the stabber, the stabbing board and around well centre are still existing. In order to reduce the risks of accidents and to streamline the process a new Casing Running Tool is developed. The basic idea of this device is that the Top Drive is used as a torque wrench and that several functions are integrated. A flush mounted spider is used. Integrated in this device are fill up and circulating functions, the power tong function, the top stabbing function and the casing hoisting function. The risk for accidents will be significantly reduced. The driller's operation is simplified and the casing running time is reduced. The Casing Running Tool incorporates additional features, such as the possibility of pushing and rotating the casing string while circulating. The reduction of casing running time, personnel, and risk of accidents create value and HSE benefits. A first prototype is being developed. Design constraints that can be recognised at this stage of the development of the tool are mainly related to mechanized connection making. Both a theoretical and experimental approach are taken in order to define the design constraints. In the development of the Casing Running Tool a step by step approach is chosen. All subsystems are designed as add-on equipment. The Casing Running Tool paves the way to a complete automation of the drilling process.