Abstract: The fully balanced wet-transport vertical ship lift requires maintaining a fully balanced state throughout its operation. However,the downstream water level of the ship lift exhibits characteristics of rapid and significant variability,which significantly impacts the operational safety during the downstream docking period. This article primarily analyzes the safety risks posed to the operation of the fully balanced wet-transport steel wire rope hoist vertical ship lift after rapid changes in the downstream water level of the hydropower station. By sampling the navigation period in the Shuikou Reservoir dispatching information system,this article analyzes the fluctuations in downstream water level as a function of generator output,identifies potential risks of water loss and overturning of the ship lift’s carriage,and proposes corresponding preventive measures to ensure the safe operation of the fully balanced wet-transport vertical ship lift.