The newest research status of using laser shock processing (LSP) technology to quantitatively control the surface residual stress is elaborated, and the major problems in laser shock studies are specially discussed. It is pointed out that the laser interaction with materials, surface residual stress, and multi-scale characterization in microstructure changes are the research hot spots in the field of LSP technology. Based on these, the prospect for the application of LSP technology in the quantitative control of surface residual stress as well as in heavy marine equipment manufacturing is conducted.