The main topic of this paper is the analysis of the influence of different combinations of thruster configuration matrix of a vessel on the dynamic positioning features with special emphasis on the power supplied to the thrusters, all depending on different environmental loads. The optimization task is not expressed exclusively as a function of thrust allocation, but also as a function of the number, type, features and position of the analysed thrusters on the hull of the vessel. The obtained results were used to set guidelines for selecting the most favourable thruster configuration at an early stage of the initial vessel design, in accordance with the previously set criteria. Furthermore, the first part of the paper presents the basic features of propulsion systems of dynamically positioned vessels and describes the procedures for optimal thrust allocation, objective allocation equation and linear matrix equation, defines characteristic objective functions and constraints in optimal thrust allocation, and characteristic optimization methods in this regard. In the second, practical part of the paper, the influence of external load forces on the vessel with various propeller configuration matrices was analysed and the goal was to obtain the optimal configuration, i.e. the one that will save the most power. Although in principle the aim of this paper is optimization, i.e. minimization of power consumption, the optimal configuration will be observed from the point of view of ship design, because the solution of the optimization task reveals to the designer in which zones it would be most cost-effective to install thrusters on the vessel and to optimize the design process.