To solve the problems of low positioning frequency and poor accuracy of inland ships’ AIS data，the new generation of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System（BDS）is used for ship positioning. Through self-built data collection，analysis and storage services，the positioning accuracy has been improved to sub-meters and the data transmission frequency has been increased to seconds. Combined with automatic algorithms and spatial analysis technology in GIS，we carry out business applications of BDS，such as real-time dredging construction status visualization，electronic fence warning，automatic filling work orders，etc.，which reduce manual operations on the management of inland dredging ships and achieve the goal of refined，digital and intelligent management. The result is a successful application of BDS in the management of inland dredging ships，and it may serve as reference for similar projects to build an automated management system.