The ship as constructed was long overall and between perpendiculars with a beam of . Brooknes had a gross register tonnage (GRT) of 13,098 and a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 21,200. The ship had a molded depth of and had six hatches for six holds. The bulk carrier was equipped with six Velle-type derricks with one pair forward facing, the other aft. Brooknes was initially powered by two Helsingor Skibs & Msk. 8-cylinder diesel engines rated at . The engines powered one shaft turning a 4-bladed controllable pitch propeller and a bow thruster. The ship had a maximum speed of .
