Fairplay 27 is a well equipped ASD tug of 37m in length, with a beam of 15m and service draft of 4.65m with the class-notation DNV +1A1, EO, Tug, Escort, Ice C, SF, FiFi 1. The heavily built hull incorporates a raised forecastle and a deep skeg running from the bow to just forward of the propulsion units.

The foredeck is almost totally clear with the exception of a low towing 'staple' accommodating the towline as it passes forward from the winch amidships. Two anchors are fitted but deployed from the stern via separate windlasses, one on each quarter.

The tug is propelled by two Deutz SBV9M628 main engines generating a total of 5,625 bhp (2,070kW) driving a pair of Schottel SRP 1515CP propulsion units incorporating controllable pitch propellers. This arrangement gives the tug a 72 ton maximum bollard pull and a speed of 14 knots. A Schottel pump-jet SPJ82RD bow thruster is fitted to improve manoeuvrability.

Electrical power is supplied by two Scania DI12 62M diesels driving Stamford HCM534C alternators of 260kW each.

Towing gear includes a single Karmoy self-tensioning winch with a maximum brake load of 250 tons capable of being used to tow over the bow or astern. The winch is located amidships and when working over the bow, in the shiphandling role, the 54mm by 1,200m steel wire towline is routed through a tunnel beneath the accommodation.

This arrangement enables the towing point in the bow to be kept as low as possible to enhance stability. The spacious after deck is served by a Palfinger PK23080MD hydraulic deck crane and equipped with Karmoy tugger winches, towing pins, chain/wire stoppers and stern roller.

The new tug is part of a fleet of new vessels ordered by Bukser og Bergings to serve the new Sno-Vit LNG terminal at Hammerfest in Northern Norway. Commissioning of the new terminal facility has been seriously delayed and Fairplay 27 (Barents) will remain on a flexible charter for approximately one year or until required to join the new Bukser fleet, or can be replaced at Fairplay by a purpose designed newbuilding.

On her arrival in Rotterdam the ASD tug Fairplay 22 will be relocated to reinforce Fairplay's Hamburg fleet, and in turn Fairplay V will move to Rostock. Fairplay IV, currently in Rostock, will then be relocated to the Fairplay fleet in Szczecin.