[1][2][3][4] Built to replace the Agdlek-class cutters on a one-for-one basis, the Knud Rasmussen-class vessels are significantly larger, enabling patrols further offshore.

The ships' normal tasks include fisheries inspections, environment protection, search and rescue, sovereignty enforcement, icebreaker assignments (Finnish-Swedish ice class 1A Super/Polar Class 6),[5] towage and salvage operations and general assistance to the Danish and Greenland governments (including police tasks).

The class has a helicopter deck aft behind the superstructure but lacks an aircraft hangar.

However, it can perform Rotors running refueling and can thus increase the endurance and the range of the helicopter.

Another two container positions are "prepared for" but not installed on the starboard and port sides of the heli deck.