Tugs and Workboats

High-power battery systems for frequent, intense operations

Tugs and workboats perform short but demanding tasks such as towing, pushing, harbor maneuvers, and offshore support, often at irregular times and intensity. They need to deliver instant power for bollard pulls, firefighting, or dynamic positioning, and then recharge quickly between jobs.

Must handle heavy use

Battery systems must handle very high power output for short bursts while accepting high charging power from onboard generators or shore connections without degrading quickly. They often cycle many times per day and must keep performing for years with minimal maintenance.

Reliability is critical

Operating environments are harsh, with constant vibration, saltwater spray, and exposure to both heat and cold. Reliability is critical since any breakdown can delay port operations or offshore work, creating costly downtime for operators and customers. Safety is equally important because engine rooms are compact and a fire onboard could be extremely dangerous.

A perfect fit for tugs

Echandia’s LTO battery systems deliver high current safely and rapid recharge, making them ideal for tugs that need to be ready for the next job with minimal downtime. The systems’ long cycle life means fewer replacements and lower lifetime cost. The chemistry is highly stable, minimizing fire risk and ensuring reliable performance even in extreme temperatures.

Why Echandia for tugs and workboats

  • HIGH POWER CAPABILITY
    Instant response for bollard pulls and maneuvering

  • EFFICIENCY
    Low fuel consumption in port and reduced maintenance requirements

  • LONG SERVICE LIFE
    Tens of thousands of cycles with minimal degradation

  • CLASS-LEADING SAFETY
    No thermal runaway, no fire risk

  • PROVEN RELIABILITY
    Designed for harsh marine environments

Cases

January 11, 2026

Electrifying Copenhagen’s Commuter Ferries

In 2020, a new fleet of electric commuter ferries was introduced in Copenhagen, setting a global benchmark for emission-free public transport on water. To meet the demanding requirements of inner-city passenger operations, Echandia was selected to supply the maritime battery system enabling safe, reliable, and fully electric propulsion.

January 2, 2026

First high-speed zero-emission fleet in the U.S.

In 2026, San Francisco Bay Ferry will introduce the United States’ first fully electric, high-speed, high-capacity ferry fleet as part of the Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) program. The project represents a major milestone for zero-emission maritime transport in North America.

December 11, 2025

Fully electric RoPax ferry Nerthus

In June 2025, Molslinjen introduced Nerthus, a fully electric RoPax ferry serving the route between Ballen on Samsø and Kalundborg in Denmark. The vessel is the first of two new electrified ferries commissioned by Molslinjen and built at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey.

October 15, 2025

Hybrid RoPax retrofit with Echandia LTO systems

Scandlines, one of Northern Europe’s leading ferry operators, has taken a major step toward zero-emission operation by converting two of its RoPax ferries into plug-in hybrids. The vessels are being retrofitted with Echandia Ultra battery systems, enabling up to 80% electric operation per crossing, with diesel propulsion retained only as backup.

Want to know more?

Our team has worked with leading shipyards and system integrators, from ABB to Siemens, to electrify ferries, tugs, navy and transport vessels. We know what it takes to build a safe, durable system that performs every day.