Taking the influences of joggle forces and gravity into account, a static model of a highpower marine gearbox was established using the finite element method. The gearbox workload capacity was calculated in four working states. Gearbox strength and structural rigidity were analyzed. Combining theories of optimization and reliability design, the gearbox optimization model was obtained based on the intensity principle. To insure a safe structure, optimization designs were put in practice to improve the gearbox structure. As a result, the gearbox weight was reduced 1 060 t by structural optimization. The strength of the improved gearbox is more symmetrical and the structure of the improved gearbox is more reasonable than previoius designs, indicating the method has certain theoretical and practical engineering values.