The vessel was designed by Murray Cormack, evolving from their highly successful "NorthBay 17" hull design.
The primary design prompt called for an exceptionally rugged craft capable of handling the severe, choppy sea conditions found just outside the Aberdeen breakwater. To meet this requirement, Murray Cormack developed a single-chine displacement hull specifically optimized to operate stern-to the seas. This safety feature ensures the boat remains highly stable while transferring marine pilots to and from commercial vessels.
Sea Shepherd works alongside its sister vessel, Sea Haven. Beyond its primary pilotage role, the boat performs general harbor duties, including crew transport to ships anchored offshore and light pushing/pulling of larger commercial hulls within tight dock confines.
In November 2025 the Port issued an Invitation to Tender for the Procurement of new Pilot Boat (s). Today they are still assessing and evaluating all options available to them such as the serviceable life and potential replacements but thus far no award has been issued.