In order to enable engineers to better understand and use the 2018 standard system for harbor and waterway engineering，this paper summarizes the development course and the features of previous edition of standard system,and introduces the background,principles,main contents and characteristics of the 2018 standard system for harbor and waterway engineering.The main structure is kept basically coincide with the former version,the safety,energy conservation,environmental protection,engineering information standards and some standard translation projects in foreign languages are added in this standard system.This further highlights the basic,strategic and guiding nature,which is of great significance for deepening the structural reform of the supply side of the waterway industry and serving the belt and road recommendation.