The new ship’s steel hull was built in Poland by the Gdansk shipyard Odys and the superstructure is of steel and aluminium. It was delivered to Fassmer  for outfitting and completion. Aline Sitoe Diatta is 15.5m wide, displaces 2,349 tons and draws 3.2m.

Ro-Ro capacity is up to 18 trucks/trailers and six cars, loading at the stern and there is 600 m²  of cargo space. Passenger capacity is given as 504 with a crew of 39. The ship has a restaurant and three bars. Classed by GL, it reached a maximum 16 knots full laden during sea trials. The contract speed of 14 knots was reached at 70% rather than the stipulated 85% MCR, reducing operational costs more than expected.

In the light of the La Joola tragedy, special care has been taken with safety, ease of manoeuvrability and on intact and damage stability to guarantee safe operation in all conditions. A tank stabilisation unit is installed to reduce rolling.

The Aline Sitoe Diatta is propelled by two medium speed four stroke Wärtsilä 9L20 main engines each of 1,800 kW operating over two Wärtsilä SCV 46 gears on a variable pitch propeller of Type 4D600 from the same manufacturer. Also fitted is a Schottel type STT 330 bow thruster.

By Tom Todd