The Naval Renovation Program was negotiated and enacted in December 1904 and envisioned acquisition of large number of vessels, including a dozen destroyers.

She was powered by 2 triple expansion reciprocating steam engines, driving two shafts, which developed a total of 7,403 indicated horsepower (5,520 kW) and gave a maximum design speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph).

Mato Grosso carried a maximum of 140 long tons (140 t) of coal that gave her a range of approximately 3,700 nautical miles (6,900 km; 4,300 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph).

Upon completion of sea trials, Mato Grosso was officially delivered to the Brazilian government on May 5, 1909, with Captain Augusto Theotonio Pereira serving as her commander.

The destroyer stopped at Falmouth, Brest, Vigo, Lisbon and Las Palmas before arriving in St. Vicente on June 27.