The invention relates to a system for actively damping a ship's motion, comprising at least one first rotatable stabilization element extending from the ship's hull, below the water line, on a side of the ship, sensor means for sensing the ship's motion and delivering control signals on the basis thereof to driving means for rotatably driving the stabilization element for the purpose of damping the ship's motion being sensed, as well as moving means for moving the stabilization element relative to the ship. According to the invention, the active stabilization system is to that end characterized in that the moving means are configured to impart a precession motion to the at least one rotatable stabilization element in dependence on the ship's sailing speed and the control signals being delivered by the sensor means. Imparting a precession movement to the rotating stabilization elements obviates the need to constantly change the direction of the mass of the stabilization elements. Instead, only the direction of rotation of the stabilization elements needs to be constantly reversed and adjusted for speed.