According to the actual layout and structural characteristics of the equipment and facilities such as the ship chamber and the upper and lower lock heads of the Three Gorges ship lift,the technical indexes such as traction distance,traction angle and traction force are studied for different types of typical ship types.Two traction schemes for ships entering and leaving the ship chamber of the Three Gorges ship lift are put forward,which are rail trolley and electric wheel traction.The feasibility of the scheme is demonstrated,and compared with the current navigation operation time of the ship lift and the expected traction time.It is concluded that the expected average daily navigation time of the whole year is shortened from 47 min 59 s to 43 min 47 s,which is improved navigation efficiency compared with the current ship,and provides theoretical support for the subsequent ship traction projects.