This thesis deals with the problem of how to derive a simplistic model feasible for describing the dynamics of ships for maneuvering simulations employed to study maritime traffic and to provide ship models for simulation-based engineering testbeds. The model should be expressed in a simple form with satisfactory accuracy as well as fast computation in simulations. The problem of deriving a ship dynamic model is addressed first with the modification and simplification of a complex vectorial representation in 6 degrees of freedom (DOF). The 6 DOF dynamic model is simplified through several pieces of reasonable assumptions that are exampled as ships moving in the horizontal plane in the ideal fluid, the uniform distribution of ship masses, the port-starboard symmetry. In the process of simplification, the trade-off between the accuracy and the possibility of estimation of the simplified model is regarded as the key criteria. Consequently, a 3 DOF dynamic model in a simple form with four terms for capturing surge motions and eight terms for steering motions is found, in which the reduced-term version of the steering model expressed in five terms is further obtained under the consideration of the There are many people who have earned my gratitude for their valuable contributions to my time at Oldenburg University. More specifically, I would like to thank my supervisor, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Hahn, for his endless support and constant encouragement during my Ph.D. study in the SAMS program. He has given me inspiring guidance on how to conduct scientific research in modeling ship dynamics and system identification. Without his constant support and helpful guidance, this thesis would not have been possible. Axel is the funniest advisor and one of the smartest people I know. He always inspires me with his passionate attitude and forward-looking scientific insights. I would give Axel most of the credit for becoming the kind of scientist I am today. Besides, I am so grateful to Prof. Yuanqiao Wen, my second supervisor, who was also my master supervisor. He led me into the maritime-related scientific research field and taught me how to identify a research question, find a solution to it, and finally publish the results in high-level journals. Even more than 7km distance, he was still glad to provide insightful discussions and suggestions to me whenever I was in confusion of my research. I am also thankful to the members of the doctoral examination committee, Prof. Dr. Martin Fränzle and Dr. Lars Weber for their great support, impressive discussion and invaluable advice. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my friends and colleagues for helping me overcome difficulties from work and life. I do like to own my great gratitude to our secretary, Manuela Wüstefeld. I would never forget her warm-heart help and encouragement to me during these years especially the tough period when I was pregnant.