The intelligent tracking technique of ship IR imaging target is addressed. By analyzing the characteristics of every imaging phase and tracking algorithm, a new composite tracking algorithm is proposed,which includes imp roved MAD and centroid tracking algorithm,whose switching rules are based on highlight point number. A intelligent tracking system is designed for ship IR imaging target,whose hardware platform is constructed with TMS320C6201 chip and DSP + FPGA technology. In order to keep tracking system intelligent and steady, tracking credibility factor and local segmentation technology are put forward. The outfield experimental result shows this tracking system can track ship IR imaging target steadily and intelligently.