The Type 901 is estimated to have a 45,000 ton displacement[4] and a beam of 31.5 m (103 ft).[6] The ship's propulsion is powered by four QC280gas turbines, each delivering 28 MW (38,000 hp), for maximum speed of about 25 kn (46 km/h; 29 mph); the speed is necessary to keep up with aircraft carriers.[4] The Type 901 is more than twice the size of the preceding Type 903A and significantly faster.[4][7]
The Type 901 appears to be designed with similar missions to the Supply-classfast combat support ship[8] which is to keep large surface action groups supplied.