Coastal Vessel Tracking API: Real-Time Maritime Data & Analytics

In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time data is crucial for operational efficiency and decision-making. The Vessels API provides developers, startups, and enterprise teams with instant access to global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS (Automatic Identification System). With 17 REST endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring, this API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry.

Why Choose Vessels API?

The Vessels API stands out for several reasons:

Comprehensive coverage with 17 REST endpoints.
One API key and one base URL for simplified access.
Consistent JSON envelope on every response: {status, success, message, data}.
Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
Scalable solutions for indie developers to enterprise fleets.
7-day free trial available on all plans.

Whether you are a developer, logistics startup, fleet manager, port operator, or part of an ESG/compliance team, the Vessels API is tailored to provide the data you need to optimize your operations.

Key Features and Endpoints

Let’s dive into the most relevant endpoints of the Vessels API, focusing on their functionalities, response structures, and practical use cases.

Vessel Intelligence

1. Vessel Search

The /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": 200,
"width_m": 32
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 10,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}

This endpoint is essential for logistics companies needing to track specific vessels or verify vessel details for compliance and operational planning.

2. Live Vessel Tracking

The /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": 15,
"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": 15
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}

This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel movements in real-time, ensuring timely arrivals and optimizing logistics operations.

3. Nearby Vessels

The /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": 180,
"navigational_status": "At Anchor"
}
]
}
}

This feature is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams to assess vessel traffic in specific areas, aiding in congestion management and operational planning.

Fleet Operations

4. Fleet Management

The /vessels/fleet endpoint allows you to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one go.

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}' "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, providing a comprehensive overview of fleet status and location.

5. Emissions Scoring

The /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring 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": 300,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 50,
"co2_per_nm": 0.17
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}

This endpoint is crucial for companies focused on sustainability and compliance, allowing them to track and report emissions effectively.

Port Intelligence

6. Port Congestion

The /ports/congestion endpoint provides 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 vital for port operators to manage vessel traffic and optimize berth allocation, reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency.

7. Port Activity

The /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures 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": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z",
"from_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"departure_time": "2023-10-01T14:00:00Z",
"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 powerful tool for anyone involved in maritime logistics, offering a comprehensive suite of endpoints that provide real-time data and analytics. From vessel tracking to emissions scoring and port intelligence, the API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry.

By leveraging the capabilities of the Vessels API, developers can build robust applications that enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Whether you are managing a fleet, optimizing port operations, or focusing on sustainability, the Vessels API is your go-to solution.

Ready to get started? Try Vessels API for free and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data today!