The equipment distribution of typical fresh water cooling system, flow distribution and cooling system configuration of the trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) are compared and analyzed according to several TSHDs with the different pump drive modes and the different compartment arrangement. Several factors affecting the cooling system design of TSHD are summarized, including the type of the hopper, the driving mode of the mud pump and the arrangement of the mud pump room, etc. The design process of the cooling system is given for the TSHD to provide reference and guidance for the design of the cooling system of similar ships in the future with good practicality.