This paper addresses the control technology of Matrix Converter for a Permanent Synchronous Motor in a vessel electric propulsion system. This paper provides an algorithm based on flux linkage reference model, double space vector modulation and Direct Torque Control (DTC) theory. The PMSM is controlled by the DTC theory with double space vector modulation. The experiment result has shown that the drives control system has fast and stabilized performance under sudden load varying and four-quadrant running conditions. Because the energy in the design system can flow in both directions, the compound control strategy is effective and feasible. © 2009 IEEE.