In this new design the draft of the vessel is kept to a minimum while providing a relatively high bollard pull. This is achieved by combining the use of two azimuthing thrusters in a stern drive configuration with a powerful, fully steerable, waterjet bow thruster. Two high efficiency azimuthing propellers, each producing 30 tonnes of thrust, have been chosen along with a specially designed water jet supplying up to a further 12 tonnes of thrust. A 60 tonnes bollard pull from the stern thrusters alone is sufficient for most normal operations and the waterjet can be selected without interfering with the operation of the tug in any way.

An overall length of 34m is proposed, with a beam of 11.5m and draft of 4m. The hull design incorporates a bulbous bow fitted with a forward skeg. Model tests indicate that when the tug is moving sideways hull forces are 50 percent higher, with a similar increase in performance in the escort mode.

This in combination with the bulbous bow and skeg results in escort steering forces that can be three times higher than with normal stern-drive tugs and can be maximised by using the waterjet. The tug has a relatively large beam compared to previous WME designs, reducing draft, creating more space inside the hull and increasing stability.

Considerable attention has been paid to the towing gear. A single towing winch is specified, using two towlines, one passing forward beneath the wheelhouse to the bow and the other towing over the stern in the normal manner. A unique arrangement of fairleads in the bow and stern keep the towline close to the deck to take advantage of the resulting increase in stability, particularly when the tug is applying transverse towing forces claimed to be as high as 45-50 tonnes.

Other features embodied in the new design are aimed at reducing maintenance and cost. The azimuthing thrusters incorporate built-in slipping clutches, driven by carbon fibre shafts without supporting bearings. Mounting thrusters and engines with relatively high inclination angles enables straight shafts to be used, eliminating the need for universal joints. Tilting the thrusters at a larger angle also improves performance in the ahead and astern condition. Wheelhouse windows are glued onto a tubular steel structure, increasing visibility and reducing the incidence of glass damage.

Using a single electrically driven winch reduces capital costs and maintenance and also eliminates the need for hydraulic system.