Abstract: The vessel traffic flow is affected by many factors and it is difficult to describe it with an accurate mathematic model. So it is studied by means of simulation in order to analyze quantitatively or visually the behavior characteristics and laws of vessels and to evaluate the transit capacity of channels， navigation risk， organization and management ability and so on. In this paper， a review is made on the modeling and simulation of the vessel traffic flow. Firstly the research status of simulating the vessel traffic flow is introduced； secondly its core content and process are refined； thirdly its modeling methods are discussed； fourthly its key technologies are analyzed； fifthly its main applications are summed up and finally its development trends are presented. Simulation modeling theory and method as well as implementation technology for the vessel traffic flow are not mature, and there are many problems to be solved. The domestic research lags behind that of foreign countries, therefore it is necessary to promote the relevant research to provide techuical support to the development of a green, safe and efficient maritime traffic.