Objectives  According to the features of ship warehouse space utilization, an evaluation method for utilization rate of ship warehouse space is explored.

  Methods  A general evaluation formula of space utilization rate is proposed, the definitions of two typical ship warehouses that cargo transfer therein is carried out by travelling crane and forktruck respectively are refined and improved, and examples of two typical ship warehouse space design are analyzed.

  Results  The results show that the larger the ship warehouse space, the lower the equipment loading and use demand, and the higher the space utilization rate.

  Conclusions   The results of this paper are consistent with actual engineering practice; as such, it has certain research value and can effectively guide future engineering practice in this field.