The ship's design incorporated a number of unusual features. Crusader had a shallow draft to allow her to operate close to the shore, as well as four rudders and six engines driving six propellers to give her a high degree of manoeuvrability. While the ship required engines capable of generating a total of , the largest engines which were available in Australia at the time each generated only horsepower. Only six of these engines could be fitted into the ship, and she was considered under powered during her Army service. Her hold could carry of stores and an additional 40 vehicles could be embarked on her deck. The ship also had six cranes to move heavy equipment, as well as six bridge-like structures which were used to embark and disembark vehicles. This equipment allowed her to discharge cargo at the rate of at any one time.Gillett (1983), p. 258 Crusader had a 'box-like' appearance, and her design did not impress naval engineers.Mellor (1958), p. 479
