As built, the ship was long (between perpendiculars) and abeam, a depth of . West Compo was originally assessed at and and had deadweight of approximately 8,635. The vessel had a steel hull with double bottom throughout with exception of her machine compartment, and a single turbine rated at 2,500 shp, double-reduction geared to a single screw propeller that moved the ship at up to . The steam for the engine was supplied by three single-ended Scotch marine boilers fitted for both coal and oil fuel.
