In this paper the implementation of the vector control and direct torque control systems for a marine permanent magnet synchronous motor has been studied. A novel control method using space vector pulse width modulation was proposed. Then the simulation models with the vector control and direct torque control using the space vector pulse width modulation method have been established, respectively. Finally, the speed control performance of the systems was verified by simulation. The simulation results indicates that the systems used vector control or direct torque control technique can meet the requirements with the aspect of marine PMSM dynamic torque response. Meanwhile comparing to the different simulation results, the torque ripple was reduced in the vector control system.