The R&D team share the journey from sketch to centerpiece
In the June issue of this magazine, Green Pin introduced the ROV Pro Shank Hook; a product that immediately caught the attention of subsea professionals
While the hook’s innovative features were showcased, the story behind its development remained largely untold. Until now.
A LONG TIME IN THE MAKING
The Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook was not developed overnight. Its origins trace back to 2013, when product manager Emiel van Norel began prototyping ROV hooks. At the time, however, limited production capabilities made it impossible to bring the concept to life. That changed in 2018, with the acquisition of Irizar Forge. The acquisition unlocked access to larger hook designs, paving the way for real innovation in the subsea industry.
USER-DRIVEN ENGINEERING
The Green Pin Pro Shank Hook was built to be intuitive, safe and robust, performing three key functions: retrieving, releasing, and locking. It had to work seamlessly for both ROVs underwater and crew members on deck, while remaining scalable across multiple hook sizes.
The demand for ease of use and reliability came directly from subsea professionals. “They wanted a hook with a latch that locks in a neutral position,” explains product manager Purya Talebi, “so loads would not be lost due to current or misalignment.” Translating that need into a durable, versatile design that could withstand harsh offshore conditions was a challenge, which Royal Van Beest’s team was determined to solve.
Innovation, as it turns out, does not always follow a schedule. “It was four AM, I woke up with this idea and could not go back to sleep,” van Norel recalls. That early-morning spark led to a flood of sketches and a breakthrough in the design process. “I started thinking through every concept we had tried and realised there was one movement we had not explored.”
With help of Dominic Lu, one of Royal Van Beest’s product engineers, the rough sketch was transformed into a functional mechanism. “He did not just draw what I imagined, he added mechanical insights I had not considered,” van Norel explains.
The result was a hook that combines simplicity, safety, and versatility; a product born from creative thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration.
REAL-WORLD TESTING
Rather than relying on lab conditions, the team tested prototypes directly in the North Sea, exposing them to mud, sand, and strong currents. These field trials revealed critical issues, from misfitting POM wheels to latch mechanism tolerances that did not hold up. “We learned quickly what worked and what did not,” van Norel noted. While no formal research institutes were involved, the practical insights from offshore and subsea professionals proved valuable.
Materials, coatings, and assembly methods were also carefully reviewed to ensure the hook would be durable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective. Stainless steel was used only for critical components, while the rest of the hook was protected with a coating and designed with rinse-through openings to prevent salt buildup. The mechanism is fully replaceable, allowing the hook to remain operational even if parts fail.
After all these efforts, the final prototype was nearly ready for production, requiring just one minor digital adjustment before moving forward.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK, PROMISING FUTURE
The Green Pin Pro Shank Hook has been received with enthusiasm. “Engineers instantly understand how it works; almost no explanation needed,” says van Norel. “It is intuitive and simple, and that is exactly its strength.”
Arnoud Stasse, area sales manager, adds: “The hook is attracting serious attention at trade shows. Everyone wants to know how it works and what it could mean for their ROV operations. And with more exhibitions and webinars planned, we will continue to engage the market.” Stasse also confirms that the first hooks have been sold and are ready for delivery.
Looking ahead, the team is exploring larger sizes and adapting the mechanism for other hook types, as well as optimising existing designs. “The ROV line is evolving,” van Norel says. “We are always improving; for the market and for ourselves.”
Finally, the team is proud of the result and emphasises the collaborative effort. “It was true teamwork,” says Talebi. “We are open to feedback and eager to keep innovating with our customers.”
The Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook will be on display at upcoming industry events such as ADIPEC, and those interested in finding out more about the product can join Green Pin’s online webinar on 18 October by registering at GreenPin.com/academy.
For more information visit www.greenpin.com
