Abstract: The optimization of the assembly sequence is of great significance for improving the overall efficiency of shipbuilding. In this paper， a typical hull section is selected as the research object， and the genetic algorithm， a global optimizing method used to enhance the calculation speed， is incorporated into the actual production to obtain the optimal assembly sequence. Then， the length of chromosome used by the algorithm is shortened so that the efficiency of assembly planning is improved. Finally， the model for the hull section is constructed using the CATIA software， and a simulation demo of the assembly procedure is presented. The results verify the effectiveness and validity of the genetic algorithm during the optimization process of hull assembly sequence.