In order to solve the problem of low mechanization, high labor intensity, poor working environment and backwardness of kelp industry in China's kelp harvesting, and to resolve the contradiction between large labor consumption for kelp harvesting and difficulties in employment due to aging of labor force, planning and design are carried out from the comprehensive efficiency of the whole production process including kelp harvesting and subsequent machining, so as to optimize the production process of kelp. In view of the current traditional kelp harvesting process and specific to main problems and difficulties encountered by kelp equipment during harvesting, the environmental factors and solutions for the problems encountered in the equipment use are discussed. On the basis of solving the problems existing in the current harvesting equipment, design scheme of the key equipment of kelp harvesting – automatic drafting and hanging kelp harvesting vessel - is put forward, and the main components of the harvesting vessel and the realization of its function are introduced. It is of great significance to the mechanization of kelp industry.