This paper analyzes and studies the development status and patent layout of intelligent ship technology at home and abroad, which is of great practical significance to the development of intelligent ship in China. From the perspective of patent statistics, the global distribution of smart ship technology, the technology distribution of main patentees and main competitors, patent value, key patents and main IPC distribution are compared and analyzed. In addition, 3D patent map is used for visualization analysis of hot technology fields. From the perspective of patent value, although China has a large number of patents in the field of intelligent ship technology, the patent quality is generally low. From the perspective of innovation subjects, most of the foreign research institutions and enterprises, while Chinese universities and colleges take the absolute advantage. From the perspective of technology research hotspots, intelligent ship technology mainly focuses on intelligent motion control, route planning and communication and navigation. Finally, through the above analysis, the characteristics and shortcomings of China"s layout in the field of intelligent ship technology are clarified, and feasible Suggestions are put forward for the development of intelligent ship technology.