Rope hoisting system

An apparatus comprising:

• a hoisting system including:
• a plurality of sheaves;
• a chain reeved about the plurality of sheaves, the chain including links having clamps for selectively gripping a hoisting line;
• and
• a closing track having a travel path for the clamps of the links of the chain, wherein the travel path includes an opening between two opposing surfaces and at least a portion of the opening has a width between the two opposing surfaces narrower than the widths of the clamps, when open, such that, when the links pass along the travel path of the closing track, the two opposing surfaces cause the clamps to close about the hoisting line;
• wherein the links of the chain include at least one link having a chain link body that has at least one of the clamps mounted on the chain link body, the at least one clamp having opposing arms moveable from an open position toward a closed position to enable the at least one clamp to close about and grip the hoisting line.