In the maritime industry, real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making and operational efficiency. The ability to track vessels, analyze their movements, and understand port conditions can significantly enhance logistics, fleet management, and compliance with environmental regulations. This is where the Vessels API comes into play, offering a comprehensive suite of endpoints designed to provide developers, startups, and enterprise teams with instant access to global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS (Automatic Identification System).
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API stands out in the maritime data landscape for several reasons:
- 18 REST endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring.
- One API key and one base URL, eliminating the complexity of OAuth and per-endpoint authentication differences.
- Consistent JSON envelope on every response: {status, success, message, data}.
- Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
- Scalable solutions suitable for indie developers to enterprise fleets.
- 7-day free trial on all plans.
This blog post will delve into the various endpoints of the Vessels API, focusing on how they can be utilized for accommodation vessel tracking, fleet management, and more.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
The Vessel Intelligence endpoints are essential for obtaining detailed information about individual vessels. Here are the key endpoints:
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows you to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. You can also apply optional filters such as ship type, flag, and more.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/search?query=atlantic&flag=Panama"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "123456789",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"flag": "Panama",
"vessel_type": "Cargo",
"gross_tonnage": 50000,
"deadweight_tonnage": 30000,
"year_built": 2010,
"length_m": 250,
"width_m": 40
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 1,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for fleet managers who need to quickly locate vessels based on various criteria.
2. Live Vessel Tracking
The GET /vessels/track endpoint provides live position data, including up to 168 hours of position history, active routes, predicted ETAs, and weather conditions.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/track?mmsi=258785000&hours=48"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"vessel": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": 34.0522,
"longitude": -118.2437,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 90,
"heading_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Underway",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z",
"destination": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"departure_time": "2023-10-01T10:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for logistics teams needing to track vessel movements in real-time, ensuring timely deliveries and efficient operations.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/nearby?latitude=-34.60&longitude=-58.38&radius=30"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"center": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"radius_nm": 30,
"total": 5,
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "123456789",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"ship_type": "Cargo",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 10,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Underway"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams to monitor vessel traffic in specific areas, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/analytics?type=vessel&mmsi=258785000&period=7d"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"type": "vessel",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 500,
"avg_speed_knots": 10,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 3,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 12,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and ESG/compliance teams to analyze vessel performance and operational efficiency over time.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
The Fleet Operations endpoints are designed to provide batch data for multiple vessels, making it easier to manage large fleets.
5. Fleet Data
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows you to retrieve batch positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request.
cURL Example:
curl -X POST -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"vessels":[{"imo":"9122556"},{"mmsi":"309374000"}],"include_positions":true,"include_routes":true}' "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/fleet"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"fleet": {
"total_vessels": 2,
"vessels_at_sea": 1,
"vessels_in_port": 1
},
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "9122556",
"mmsi": "309374000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"position": {
"latitude": 34.0522,
"longitude": -118.2437
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, providing a comprehensive overview of fleet status.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
The Port Intelligence endpoints provide critical information about port conditions, congestion, and vessel activity.
6. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint offers real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specific port.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports/congestion?port_id=ARBUE&period=7d"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"period": "7d",
"snapshot": {
"vessels_in_anchorage": 5,
"vessels_at_berth": 3
},
"statistics": {
"avg_wait_time_hours_last_7d": 2,
"max_wait_time_hours_last_7d": 5,
"avg_berth_time_hours_last_7d": 3,
"port_calls_count": 20
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for port operators and logistics teams to manage vessel arrivals and optimize port operations.
7. Expected Arrivals
The GET /port/expected-arrivals endpoint provides information about vessels expected to arrive at a specific port, including their ETA and origin.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/expected-arrivals?port=ARBUE"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"expected_arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"vessel_type": "Cargo",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams to plan for incoming vessels and manage dock space effectively.
Environmental Compliance with IMO CII Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring, which is vital for ESG reporting and regulatory compliance.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/green?mmsi=258785000&period=30d"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 500,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 50,
"co2_per_nm": 0.1
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for compliance teams to monitor and report on the environmental impact of their fleet, ensuring adherence to international regulations.
Conclusion
The Vessels API provides a robust and comprehensive solution for accessing maritime data, enabling developers and businesses to enhance their operational efficiency, compliance, and decision-making processes. With its extensive range of endpoints, real-time data capabilities, and user-friendly design, the Vessels API is the go-to choice for anyone looking to leverage maritime data effectively.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your maritime operations. Try Vessels API for free today and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data and analytics.
For more information and to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.
