In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time data is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing decision-making. The Vessels API provides developers, startups, and enterprise teams with a powerful REST API that offers comprehensive maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS (Automatic Identification System). With 17 endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring, the Vessels API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API stands out in the maritime data landscape for several reasons:
- 18 REST endpoints covering a wide range of functionalities.
- One API key and a single base URL for seamless integration.
- Consistent JSON response structure for easy parsing.
- Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
- 7-day free trial available for all plans, making it accessible for indie developers and enterprise fleets alike.
In this blog post, we will explore the most relevant endpoints for barge tracking, providing detailed explanations, code examples, and practical use cases.
Vessel Intelligence 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": "Barge",
"gross_tonnage": 5000,
"deadweight_tonnage": 7000,
"year_built": 2010,
"length_m": 100,
"width_m": 20
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 1,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams looking to identify specific vessels quickly, enabling efficient fleet management and operational planning.
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": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.34,
"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": 100,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel movements in real-time, allowing for timely adjustments to logistics and operational strategies.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude. This is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams.
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": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"ship_type": "Barge",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 5,
"speed_knots": 10,
"course_degrees": 180,
"navigational_status": "At Anchor"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint allows for effective monitoring of vessel traffic in specific areas, aiding in congestion management and operational efficiency.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics, which can be filtered by vessel, port, or fleet.
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 crucial for fleet managers and logistics teams to analyze performance metrics, optimize routes, and improve operational efficiency.
Fleet Operations Endpoint
5. Fleet Management
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows you to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one go, streamlining fleet management.
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": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.34
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, enhancing operational oversight and decision-making.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
6. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified port, helping port operators manage traffic effectively.
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 vital for port operators to understand traffic patterns and optimize berth allocation, reducing wait times and improving service levels.
7. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for a specified port, which is crucial for logistics event feeds.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/activity?port=ARBUE"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"arrival_time": "2023-10-01T10:00:00Z",
"from_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"departure_time": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z",
"to_port": "Los Angeles"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams to track vessel movements and manage supply chain operations effectively.
Conclusion
The Vessels API is a comprehensive solution for accessing real-time maritime data and analytics. With its robust set of endpoints, developers can easily integrate vessel tracking, fleet management, and port intelligence into their applications. Whether you are a logistics startup, a fleet manager, or part of an ESG compliance team, the Vessels API provides the tools you need to optimize operations and enhance decision-making.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to leverage powerful maritime data. Try Vessels API for free today and see how it can transform your maritime operations.
Ready to get started? Get started with Vessels API and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data.
