The new tug is 30.08m in length overall, with a beam of 9.35m and depth of 4.40m. An increase in depth and propeller/nozzle size has resulted in a slightly deeper draft, with figures of 2.60m to 3.30m dependent on loading and ballast. This leaves its ability to operate in shallow water on-site virtually undiminished. DMS Dunnock is classed by BV; 1+HULL*MACH, Tug Unrestricted navigation *AUT-UMS.

The hull features a raised, heavily fendered forecastle and a deep ‘push knee’ structure on the bow that also houses a hydraulically powered bow thruster. The most significant difference between this version and the Shoalbuster 2609 is a centre section, lengthened by approximately 4m, resulting in a significantly larger engine room, greater fuel capacity, and a much improved deck layout. 

Two Caterpillar 3512B TA/C main engines each rated at 1,670 bhp (1,230kW) at 1,600 rpm provide the main propulsion power, driving twin fixed pitch Promarin propellers via Reintjes WAF 772 gearboxes with a ratio of 6.44:1. Fixed Van der Giessen ‘Optima’ nozzles are fitted to produce a bollard pull on trials of 45.9 tons and maximum speed of 11.6 knots.

Electrical power onboard DMS Dunnock is supplied by two 107kVA generators powered by John Deere 6068 TF 258 diesels. Both generator sets and main engines are cooled via the box cooler system. A Caterpillar C18 TA/B diesel of 485 bhp drives two hydraulic pumps supplying hydraulic systems for the deck machinery and bow thruster.

Internal tanks enable 175m³  of fuel to be stored, 40m³  of fresh water, 7m³  of lubricating oil and 3m³  of hydraulic oil. A 3m³  sewage tank and 4m³  sludge tank are also provided. High capacity electrically driven transfer pumps allow fuel oil and fresh water to be delivered to other vessels and floating plant at a rate of 50m³  per hour.

Installed on board is a Ridderinkhof ‘waterfall style’ towing and anchor handling winch. The towing drum is mounted above and slightly astern of the anchor handling drum and has a maximum brake capacity of 100 tons, with a maximum line pull of 50 tons at a hauling speed of 10m/min or 27m/min (with a slack rope). A 900m towline of 40mm diameter steel wire can be accommodated. The anchor handling drum, has a maximum brake capacity of 125 tons and a maximum line pull of 100 tons at 5m/min and 13.5m/min with a slack rope. For anchor handling this drum carries a 600m work-wire of 51mm diameter. A single common spooling gear operates on both drums.

Deck equipment provided on the aft deck includes an 8 tons Brevini tugger winch, located on the starboard side, a stern roller and a set of three hydraulically operated towing pins.

In keeping with all Shoalbusters, DMS Dunnock has a powerful hydraulic deck crane, in this case a Heila HLRM 170/14-35L. Rated at 170 tm, the crane can lift 10 tons with a jib extension of 14.08m and 12.5 tons at 12m.

Navigational equipment includes Furuno FR-16505 Mk III radar with ARPA,  Furuno GP-150 GPS, Tokimec Gyro compass, Cassens & Plath Reflecta magnetic compass and Sea Pilot-75 autopilot. Also fitted are Furuno NX-700 Navtex, FE-700 echosounder and FA-150 AIS transponder. A navigation computer system and monitor enable the TRESCO electronic charting system to be integrated on a single screen overlaying charts, radar targets, GPS and AIS information. The communications outfit incorporates Inmarsat-C and two RT-5022 VHF radios by SP-radio and Marble 412 watch alarm.

An aft control station located centrally at a large window overlooking the work deck is provided with duplicate propulsion and winch controls, duplicate monitor and basic navigational and communications repeaters.

Well finished, fully air conditioned accommodation is available for up to seven persons in three single and two double berth cabins. All five cabins are located at main deck level along with a laundry and sanitary facilities. A large mess room, a galley and store are situated on the forecastle deck.

The DMS Dunnock is now on its way to Abu Dhabi to carry out activities on the Ruwais Project for Van Oord NV. Nine vessels of Damen Marine Services BV are already in the Middle East working on several projects for different clients. In the meantime Damen Marine Services BV has ordered a new Damen Stan Tug 2608 at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and a new Shoalbuster 2609, which has been sold to ITC in Heemstede and renamed the 'Mistral'