The optimum design of the transverse strength member was carried out with respect to the minimum hull weight taken account of the 2-dimensional analysis by using Finite Element Method. The optimum sizes of the member such as web height, web thickness, lower flange breadth, lower flange thickness, radii, were calculated by using Hooke and Jeeves direct search method. The optimum structure satisfies requirements to allowable bending and shear stresses in each strength member. The optimum design results were compared with the practical ship design. The optimum design saves the hull weight than that of practical design amounts to 9.6% of that.