The harder you pull, the tighter it holds.

When he joined SHM 10 years ago, a cardboard tube model sat on a table in the office. It represented a machine under development – aiming to provide safe and simple rope locking on the deck of a vessel. The problem was that it needed several metres of rope to build up enough friction surface for holding strength, making it difficult to calculate the correct tension in the rope after release.

Torbjørn started thinking through possible alternatives, drawing on experience from winches, sailing and climbing. He eventually sketched out a model, then cut some pieces of wood in his workshop at home and assembled them into a simple prototype. Back at the office, it was tested with string, before colleague Jørn Salthammer – whom Torbjørn describes as the super-engineer – pulled out his calculator and got to work. Some adjustments later, he had designed an updated and more compact version with hydraulic power – one that is nearly identical to the version that is delivered today.

Demand was immediate, and the T-lock has been delivered to over 40 vessels since 2016. The concept is simple: it secures, holds and releases the rope safely – with emergency release within 10 seconds, in accordance with regulations.

The T-lock is mounted at the stern of the vessel and works regardless of whether the vessel experiences a power failure or other unforeseen events. From a safe zone, crew can also operate the equipment and monitor operations through the protective grille without exposing themselves to risk. Another advantage is that it combines multiple functions in a single, compact unit.

What has become most important today is how well it works together with the SHM Mooring lock. The two can easily be connected in a shared system, with both the T-lock and Mooring lock on the same radio – controlled from the safe zone. We are currently the only supplier able to deliver this as a complete, integrated solution.

– You are dealing with enormous forces, but right where you are working, the load is taken care of and everything is safe – because you are between two extremely powerful machines holding everything in place. That is the key, says Torbjørn.

His wooden prototype still has a place of honour in CEO Yngve Bøe Myklebust's office (see photo below).

Interested in what a complete deck system could look like for your vessels? Get in touch!