Abstract: Objectives Traditional parameter identification methods are difficult to achieve comprehensive parameter identification in multiple dimensions and degrees of freedom. In order to obtain real-time complex parameters and attitude information of ships, ensure the stability and safety of ships during navigation, an Improved Wild Horse Optimizer is introduced into the ship parameter identification method, which is combined with traditional ship identification methods to improve the accuracy of ship parameter identification. Methods On the basis of establishing a longitudinal motion model of the ship, a dynamic inertia weight design was introduced to further optimize the Improved Wild Horse Optimizer and complete the design of the ship longitudinal parameter identification method. Results By comparing and analyzing the tracking performance of ship identification models using different algorithms, as well as the identification results of ship parameters under different wave encounter angles, it was found that the improved Wild Horse optimizer has an identification error of about 1%, which is lower than other algorithms. Therefore, the identification model of this algorithm has a more accurate tracking effect on the ship's attitude during navigation. Conclusions This identification method can provide accurate parameters in real-time for ship navigation, improve the operability of ship navigation, and thus ensure the stability and safety of ship navigation.