Now one of only five surviving chain ferries in the UK, its propulsion provided by hydraulic motors driving the two massive chain wheels, one each side of the vessel. Windows are incorporated into the deck above the chain wheels so that passengers can view the operation of the chains. The down river side of the vessel is unique in as much as it is made of transparent panels so that an open view of the magnificent river is always in sight. Four lanes of traffic can be accommodated on the deck.

Ramp operation is also hydraulic, with power supplied by three Scania powered marine auxiliary sets supplied by Beta Marine Ltd. The design of the sets incorporates generators for on board power and hydraulic pumps for all other power on board. The vessel runs quite happily on one engine, leaving another on standby and the third available for maintenance or emergency. It is possible to run one set for propulsion and another for electrical power should the need arise

Beta Marine arranged the engines for cooling from hull coolers mounted on the side of the vessel just below the water line. Cross connections make the cooler available to the running engine. A similar cooler is mounted on the other side of the vessel for the hydraulics.

The Beta Marine auxiliary sets themselves incorporate Scania D9 diesels driving marine generators at their front end via extension shafts and flexible couplings. These generators are rated at 40kVA, 415volts, 3phase, 50Hz, enabling one machine to supply the maximum demand for the ferry. At the flywheel end the main hydraulic pump is close coupled to the engine. The whole assembly is mounted on a steel base plate and supported on marine type anti-vibration mountings. Acoustic enclosures are fairly close fitting to each set, being custom designed for the application with special consideration to allow easy access for servicing and maintenance. The services are led through transits to maintain the enclosure noise integrity. The auxiliary sets were built fully to Lloyds and MCA requirements, equal to +LMC but without class.

The three auxiliary sets are arranged across the vessel, in an engine room located in the centre of the vessel between the two chain wheels, with the switchboard and control consol running along the bulkhead in front of them. Beta produced custom designed control facias for installation directly into the switchboard.