In 2007, the Science and Technology Commission of the National Defense Industry issued the "Reply on the Establishment of Key Discipline Laboratories for Micro-Spacecraft Technology and Others" (Science and Technology Commission Document [2007] No. 662), approving the establishment of the Key Laboratory for Multi-body Ship Technology. The main research directions of the laboratory include ship resistance and optimization of ship forms, wave resistance and motion control of multi-body ships, structural design of multi-body ships, special multi-body ship technologies, and multi-body ship testing techniques. The laboratory is affiliated with Harbin Engineering University. In November 2012, the Key Laboratory for Multi-body Ship Technology successfully passed the evaluation and acceptance by the Key Discipline Laboratory Evaluation Center of the Science and Technology Commission of the National Defense Industry.

During the "12th Five-Year Plan" period, the Key Laboratory for Multi-body Ship Technology has continuously improved its operation and management, enhanced the quality of talent training and faculty construction, strengthened domestic and international academic exchanges, and actively conducted scientific research in the fields of ship resistance and optimization of ship forms, wave resistance and motion control of multi-body ships, structural design of multi-body ships, special multi-body ship technologies, and multi-body ship testing techniques. Related disciplines closely associated with this laboratory include ship and offshore structure design and manufacturing, as well as related disciplines of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and engineering mechanics. Research in these disciplines focuses on ship hydrodynamics, ship structural mechanics, and ship design and manufacturing. Research is conducted on fundamental issues and key technologies related to multi-body ship form technology, hydrodynamic performance of multi-body ships, dynamic loads and structural performance of multi-body ships, structural vibration and impact of multi-body ships, virtual simulation and experimental techniques for multi-body ships, special propulsion systems, and other topics. The research work not only supports the discipline of ship and offshore structure design and manufacturing but also promotes the development of related disciplines in ship power, electrical engineering, materials, and other fields.