Abstract: Objectives To overcome the challenges of high cost and high risk associated with physical testing of ship electric propulsion systems under wave conditions, this paper designs a load simulator that accounts for the effects of waves. Methods First, the propeller characteristics were fitted to obtain calm-water torque properties. This was followed by calculating propeller torque under wave conditions, establishing the corresponding rotational speed-torque curve. Subsequently, a generator rectification and control model was developed for precise torque simulation, along with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor model to enable interactive verification between the load and propulsion systems. Results Simulation experiment results demonstrate that the system effectively simulates ship loads and wave impacts, with torque fluctuations within 10 N between calculated and simulated values. Conclusions The developed wave-inclusive load simulator can provide a crucial theoretical foundation for stability analysis and experimental platform construction of ship electric propulsion systems.