The SSV Catarina is designed to operate in specified environments, such as offshore Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa, in ultra-deep water depths of up to 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) with drilling depths of up to 35,000 feet (10,668 meters).

The rig is designed for:

• Exploration and appraisal drilling in combination with well testing
• Production well drilling
• Drilling and completion of subsea wells with template installation, pull-in operations, and well intervention services
• Workover and maintenance of satellite and subsea wells.
• The rig has a variable payload capacity of deck and column in operational and survival condition of approximately 8,500 tons. The total variable payload in operation and survival is approximately 13,000 tons. The total payload in transit conditions is approximately 8,500 tons.

Station keeping is achieved by a dynamic positioning (DP) system, including eight thrusters, all in accordance with DNV DYNPOS AUTRO Requirements, also complying with IMO DP class 3 rules.

Accommodation for a regular total number of 152 people is provided at the front of the rig. During repair and maintenance in sheltered waters, the rig can accommodate 174 people.

A helicopter landing platform for one helicopter, type SIKORSKY S-61/S-92, is located on the top of the port side house deck.