What Tug & Workboat Battery Covers
Two core electrical needs: ① Engine start battery must deliver instant high current (500–2000A CCA), ② Auxiliary system needs continuous power for winches, hydraulics, fire pumps, nav/comms. Lead-acid dual bank (start + aux) weighs 800–1500kg, consuming 15-25% deck payload. PLB, founded 2014, tugboat/workboat LiFePO₄ supports 1000A instant cold start (replacing start lead-acid) + 24-hour continuous auxiliary power (replacing aux lead-acid). Dual bank combined weight reduction 600–1200kg. CCS/DNV class + IEC 60945 certified.
Professional Battery Solutions
500A 500A Cold Cranking Instant Current — Can Lithium Handle It?
Tugboat main engines are 1000-5000HP large diesels needing 500–2000A for cold start. Traditional large lead-acid start banks (4D/8D) are bulky and heavy, with dramatically reduced cranking in cold weather. Old tugboats failing 3-5 morning starts in winter is normal — delays departure, misses towing tasks. Captain: "Winter's worst fear is the engine won't start in the morning."
One-crank winter start — delays = lost contracts = lost clients. PLB LL-MARINE24200-START supports 1000A continuous 30-second pulse (meeting 5000HP diesel cold start). -20 °C cranking current no degradation (lead-acid drops 50%+ at -20 °C). BMS self-heating ensures optimal winter temperature. Only 1/4 weight of lead-acid start bank.
| Lead-acid starter | PLB starter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cranking current | 500A nominal, 50%+ drop | 1,000A / 30 s pulse |
| Starting at −20 °C | Degraded | No derating |
| Weight | 250–400 kg | 60–100 kg |
| Winter failure rate | 30–50% | Close to zero |
+ + 24-Hour Shift Operations — Winch + Hydraulics + Fire Pump Can't Stop
The pain is specific: + + 24-Hour Shift Operations — Winch + Hydraulics + Fire Pump Can't Stop In daily operation, lead-acid or manually managed packs lose capacity between scheduled checks, maintenance teams cannot inspect every unit, and the failure surfaces only when the load is already at risk.
Auxiliary system 24-hour stable — winch, hydraulics, fire pumps always ready. PLB's LiFePO₄ pack and BMS monitor cell voltage, temperature and SOC continuously, alert before a weak cell becomes a failure, and are sized to the application's load profile.
| Conventional / manual | PLB LiFePO₄ | |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring | Periodic checks | Continuous BMS |
| Fault warning | At failure | Threshold alerts |
| Maintenance | Scheduled visits | Exception-based |
| Service life | 2–3 years | 6,000+ cycles |
800kg Tugboat Deck Space Is Precious — 800kg Batteries Take Too Much Room
Tugboat/workboat deck space is extremely precious — for ropes, towing gear, fire equipment, life-saving devices. Lead-acid dual banks (start+aux) weigh 800–1500kg occupying battery compartment + deck space. Weight low helps CG but increases displacement — each ton consumes ~2-3% bollard pull. For harbor tugs, bollard pull = operational capacity = revenue.
600–1200kg reduction = 3-6% bollard pull recovery = ¥5–15K more per towing job. PLB start+aux dual bank combined weight only 200–350kg (1/4 of lead-acid). Freed compartment space for additional equipment or improved crew quarters. Modular installation fits various vessel types.
| Lead-acid pair | PLB pair | |
|---|---|---|
| Combined weight | 800–1,500 kg | 200–350 kg |
| Space used | Large | One quarter |
| Towing capacity loss | 3–6% | Restored |
| Cabin space freed | — | 60–75% |
Solution Advantages
Cold Start
5000HP diesel, one-crank start
1,000A pulses for 30 seconds start 5,000HP diesels, with no derating at −20 °C for a first-time start in winter.
1,000A / 30 s pulse · No derating at −20 °C · First-time winter starts24H Aux
Winch + hydraulic + fire pump
0.5C continuous discharge keeps winches, hydraulics and fire pumps running for 24 hours, with BMS-coordinated charging that prioritises the auxiliary bank when idling.
Sustained 0.5C · Smart charging coordination · Auxiliary priority at idleWeight Reduction
600–1200kg saved
The pair weighs 200–350 kg, a quarter of lead-acid: weight saved becomes towing capacity regained, and 60–75% of the cabin space comes back.
One quarter weight · 3–6% towing capacity restored · 60–75% space freedClass Certified
CCS + DNV + IEC 60945
Certified to CCS and DNV class rules and IEC 60945 marine equipment standards, so port inspections and international voyages are covered.
CCS / DNV approved · IEC 60945 · Port inspection readyFrom Selection to After-Sales — PLB Stays With You
Four commitments that apply to every page in this category, from the first technical question to long-term support.
Technical Selection Support
Engineer recommends within 24 hours
Tell us the vessel type, daily consumption and engine-room conditions — our engineers size the system and recommend the matching model within 24 hours.
Dedicated technical team · 24-hour response
OEM / ODM Customization
From cell to cabinet, fully customizable
From cells, BMS, housing and terminals to the nameplate, everything can be customized.
4–8 week customization · Tooling development supported
Global Shipping
Export to 100+ countries
Export-compliant packaging with UN 38.3 air transport certification and worldwide delivery.
UN 38.3 certified · MSDS available · Export compliant
Warranty & Support
Standard warranty, lifetime support
Standard products carry a full warranty, backed by lifetime technical support.
Warranty terms on request · Lifetime technical supportWhy Choose PLB?
Years of Manufacturing
Founded in Dongguan, China in 2014
Countries Served
Export-compliant packaging and worldwide delivery
Voltage Platforms
From 25.6V to 512V, built on the same cell platform
After-Sales Rate
Monitored by the internal quality traceability system
Full Range & Model Selection
Complete product range and model selection — fishing and workboat packs, lightweight sailing batteries, high-capacity cargo and ferry systems plus sealed buoy and USV versions.
| Model | Voltage | Capacity | Protection | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LL-MARINE48200 | 48V | 200Ah | IP67, 316L terminals | Fishing boats · workboats |
| LL-MARINE48200-YT | 48V | 200Ah | 1.5 h fast charge | Yachts · leisure craft |
| LL-MARINE24100-SAIL | 24V | 100Ah | Lightest option, BT monitor | Sailing · racing |
| LL-MARINE48500-CARGO | 48V | 500Ah | 200kWh systems, DNV/BV/LR | Cargo · ferry · port |
| LL-MARINE48100-USV | 48V | 100Ah | Navigation-linked BMS | USV · unmanned craft |
| LL-MARINE12100-BUOY | 12V | 100Ah | Sealed, buoy-mounted | Offshore platforms · buoys |
By vessel: fishing boat or workboat → LL-MARINE48200.
By duty: 24-hour attractor lights or winches → 48V 200Ah.
Not sure? Send us the vessel type, daily consumption and engine-room conditions — our engineers will size the system directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions boat builders, yards and fleet operators ask most about LiFePO₄ marine banks in the Tugs & Workboats scenario — -20 °C (no derating) and 1,000A (30 s cranking), and what it takes to qualify.
Which pack fits the Tugs & Workboats vessel already in service?
The bank keeps the vessel DC voltage and footprint, with marine terminals and a BMS configured for the existing charge sources. Typical models for Tugs & Workboats builds are LL-MARINE24200-START and LL-MARINE48200-WORK.
How much usable capacity does the pack deliver across a mission in Tugs & Workboats service?
A 48 V 200 Ah pack weighs about a quarter of the equivalent lead-acid bank, and 6,000 cycles give a ten-year service life. Key figure: 1,000A (30 s cranking).
Will the pack survive Tugs & Workboats conditions for its full service life?
Specification: -20 °C (no derating). Marine-grade terminals and IP-rated sealing resist salt spray, and the BMS cuts off above its rated temperature.
How does the pack connect to the charger and control system in the Tugs & Workboats scenario?
The BMS reports SOC, voltage, current and temperature, and CAN or RS485 is available where the vessel bus requires it.
Can the pack be customized for the Tugs & Workboats application and certification file?
Cells, BMS, housing, terminals and nameplate are customizable. Custom packs take 4–8 weeks including tooling. Tell us the vessel type, daily consumption and engine-room conditions — our engineers size the system and recommend the matching model within 24 hours.
Need a Selection Recommendation?
Tell us the load, backup time and installation space — our engineers will recommend the matching battery within 24 hours.
NDA available upon request · Typical response within 12 hours