Abstract : This paper reviews the integrated electric propulsion system for ships from the aspects of comparing electric propulsion with diesel propulsion, the advantages of electric propulsion, and the composition of electric propulsion systems. It also comprehensively describes the key equipment of the electric propulsion system: high-power frequency converters, propulsion motors, podded propulsion devices, power station management and monitoring systems, etc. It points out that with technological advancements, the superiority of electric propulsion is becoming increasingly prominent, and the 21st century will be a golden age for the development of ship electric propulsion systems. Keywords : Ship; Electric propulsion system; Equipment; Monitoring 1 Overview Electric propulsion, as a new type of propulsion power for ships, is being studied extensively worldwide. Various types of electric propulsion systems have been developed abroad and applied to many types of ships. Domestic research in this field is still in its early stages. As the main propulsion system for ships, electric propulsion systems, due to their high efficiency, high reliability, high automation, and low maintenance, are becoming the preferred main propulsion system for large surface ships in the new century. Currently, 30% of newly built ships in developed countries have adopted electric propulsion systems. This paper compares electric propulsion with diesel propulsion, introduces its characteristics, system composition, power station management and monitoring systems, and analyzes its application and prospects. 2. Comparison of Electric Propulsion and Diesel Propulsion Traditional marine propulsion systems, primarily based on diesel engines and steam turbines, have made significant contributions to the development of ships and shipping. However, these systems have also been hampered by inherent drawbacks, such as: excessive space occupation; in ships with diesel or steam turbine engines as their main engines, the engine room space is occupied by bulky engines, mechanical transmission devices, reduction gears, and shafting, significantly reducing space utilization and payload. Poor working environment; the engine room of ships with diesel or steam turbine engines not only experiences high vibration and noise levels but also accumulates oil sludge, and exhaust emissions negatively impact air quality, resulting in poor hygiene. Large and tall main engines and complex systems increase maintenance difficulty and workload (engineering personnel often account for 30%–45% of the crew). After adopting an electric propulsion system, ships improve diesel engine efficiency by approximately 10%–15%, save on maintenance costs, significantly increase usable hull space, optimize hull design, provide a quieter propulsion method, and reduce pollution (reducing NOx and SOx emissions) by operating diesel engines at a constant speed under a load greater than 40%. In addition, electric propulsion systems improve ship maneuverability, reliability, and power station availability. Tables 1 and 2 compare direct diesel engine propulsion and diesel generator electric propulsion using the hull and main engine parameters of a high-speed container ship: The following table shows the required propulsion power parameters for calculation. 3. Advantages of Electric Propulsion If an electric propulsion system is used as the main propulsion system for a ship, the shortcomings of the aforementioned diesel engine propulsion system will be overcome or improved. It has the following advantages: 3.1 Optimized Engine Room After adopting an electric propulsion system, mechanical noise is significantly reduced, vibration is reduced, the working area is cleaner, exhaust emissions are reduced, the air in the engine room is fresher, and the environmental quality is improved. **3.2 Reduced Maintenance** Automated monitoring enables rapid problem detection and troubleshooting, allowing for targeted and timely maintenance, improving seaworthiness while reducing workload. The original personnel can be reduced by 50%-75%. **3.3 Performance Enhancement ** Electric propulsion systems offer convenient operation and control, excellent acceleration, short transition delays, rapid braking, and quick switching between forward and reverse speeds, significantly improving ship maneuverability and maximizing operational and tactical performance. ** 3.4 Achieved Automation** Electric propulsion systems facilitate computer network management and automatic system control, comprehensively enhancing the ship's informatization, intelligence, and automation levels. For large and medium-sized surface ships, electric propulsion systems offer high maneuverability with high performance, acoustic stealth with low noise, and a single platform replacing the traditional power and electric systems, creating conditions for developing high-energy weapons. It achieves full crew capacity with minimal personnel and allows for larger weapon bays with minimal engine room space, enhancing combat effectiveness. [b][align=center]For more details, please click: Overview of Integrated Electric Propulsion Systems for Ships[/align][/b]