Two Wartsila 9L20 main engines develop a total of 4345bhp (3240bkW) while running at a maximum continuous rating (MCR) of 1000rev/min. Power is transmitted to a pair of Schottel SRP 1212 CP fully azimuthing propulsion units with 2300mm diameter controllable pitch propellers. This propulsion system gave the new vessel a bollard pull on trials of 54 tonnes pulling ahead and 49.5 tonnes astern. Free running speeds of 14 knots ahead and 13.7 knots astern were also achieved.

Portovenere is equipped to tow from a single drum hydraulic towing winch on the foredeck or a similar winch aft. Both winches have a line pull of 20 tonnes at 10m/min and a brake holding load of 120 tonnes. Care has been taken to ensure a safe working area on both fore deck and on the after deck. Flush access plates in the latter give access for the removal of major assemblies from the engineroom.

An Effer 8000-2S hydraulic deck crane, with a max load of 780kg at 7m, fits neatly into a space on the starboard side just aft of the accommodation.

The accommodation is fully air conditioned and heated and has facilities to house up to seven persons, and includes two single cabins in the superstructure and three other cabins below decks. Vision from the wheelhouse of this very compact vessel is exceptional.

A single forward mounted console contains the usual propulsion and winch controls and the vessel is fitted with the usual outfit of navigational equipment and radios to GMDSS Area 2.