It does not seem to propel itself with propellers but by the propulsion of black smoke as seen in its concept art. As seen in The Hideaway DLC, the Maw is steam-powered and has great engines that burn coal to provide power. In the trailer, there are also portholes that allow that on-board to see outside. It also has watertight doors in the lower areas to prevent its compartments from flooding in the event of a breach.

Like an actual ship, the Maw tends to heel gently in the waves, enough to cause some objects to roll across rooms. When the Maw is submerged, its appearance is a small rock formation with a door, and at the top is a chimney that bellows black smoke. That being said, the Maw is partially submersible, and it can also anchor itself. However, when passengers need to climb aboard, it can raise itself out of the water further to expose its shell-like entrance. Due to this design, it floats like an iceberg where only its funnel breaks the ocean surface while the greater bulk lies underwater. The Maw functions just like a metal-plated ocean liner but is designed vertically like a skyscraper.