Abstract: A propulsion system for a watercraft is described, having a diesel engine (4), a propeller (2), at least one auxiliary generator set (12), a generator (6) and a drive unit for at least one machine, in which case the diesel engine (4) can be connected on the one hand to the propeller (2) and on the other hand by means of the generator (6) to a power supply system (10) in the watercraft, and with the drive unit for machines having at least one converter (34, 36, 38, 62) which can be connected on the one hand to the power supply system (10) and on the other hand to the machines. At least one converter (34, 36, 38, 62) for the drive unit for machines can be connected on the load side to the generator (6).