The avisos are propelled by two shafts turning controllable pitch propellers powered by two SEMT Pielstick 12 PC 2 V400 diesel engines rated at . The two engines are located in a single engine room mounted next to each other and controlled from a room abaft the machinery room. The two diesel engine system was selected due to the preference of endurance over speed. The "D'Estienne d'Orves" class has a maximum speed of and a range of at . All ships in the class are fitted with fin stabilisers except for and .