The Type 901 is estimated to have a 45,000 ton displacement[3] and a beam of 31.5 metres.[6] The ship is powered by four QC280 gas turbines, each delivering 28 MW, for maximum speed of about 25 kt; the speed is necessary to keep up with carriers.[3] The Type 901 is more than twice the size of the preceding Type 903A and significantly faster.[3][7]

The Type 901 appears to be designed with similar missions to the Supply-class fast combat support ship[8] which is to keep large surface action groups supplied.