This paper discusses the differences of running speed characteristics between hydro-floating ship lift (HFSL) and traditional electrically actuated ship lift,and summarizes the non-uniform operating speed feature of HFSL.Based on prototype observation tests of Jinghong HFSL project,the running characteristics under condition of various running speed are systematically introduced.The impact of indexes including water surface fluctuation in ship chamber,tilt amount of ship chamber,torqueon synchronizing shafts are analyzed.