Nautilus Hooks were launched at the 2009 at last year’s Offshore Europe exhibition, and are designed to eliminate pinch and trap injuries associated with traditional latch-lock lifting hooks by using a sliding lock mechanism. A new lock and handle configuration has also been used to promote rotational action and eliminate wrist strain.
“Now we have DNV approval, we expect business to take off sharply,” said managing director Bill Toon. “Quite a few potential customers, major oil and gas players among them, have been hanging fire while we waited for certification to come through.
“The same applies to potential international distributors; some made DNV approval a condition of going ahead and we’re now poised to put in place some key exclusivity contracts.”
Nautilus Rigging already has a partnership with Unirig Pty Ltd of Perth, Western Australia, which placed an initial order worth more than GBP177,000, and has also agreed to an informal supply arrangement with Bridon-Cookes of New Zealand, which has ordered GBP15,000 of stock. Discussions are under way with potential distributors in the United States, Norway, Canada, and Italy, it said.
