Reel drive systems are used for spooling and unspooling of rigid/flexible pipe, umbilicals, risers and other products for offshore applications, stored on multiple vertical reels. Reel drive systems consist of two drive/lifting towers that lift the reel from its cradle for spooling. The towers can skid along two skid beams from one spooling position to the next to pick up a reel for unspooling. The drive systems are available as a standalone unit or a multi-reel handling system.