The vessel is propelled by two fixed-pitch propellers and bow thrusters powered by three Alco 251F diesel-electric engines creating and three Canadian GE generators producing 6 megawatts of AC power driving two Canadian GE motors creating . The ship is also equipped with one Caterpillar 3306 emergency generator. This gives the ship a maximum speed of . Capable of carrying of diesel fuel, "Sir Wilfrid Laurier" has a maximum range of at a cruising speed of and can stay at sea for up to 120 days. The ship is certified as Arctic Class 2.