In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time vessel tracking data is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing decision-making. The Vessels API offers a comprehensive REST API that provides developers, startups, and enterprise teams with instant access to global 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 vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring.
- One API key, one base URL—no OAuth, no per-endpoint authentication differences.
- Consistent JSON envelope on every response:
{status, success, message, data}. - Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
- 7-day free trial on all plans; scales from indie developers to enterprise fleets.
- Target users include developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
The Vessel Intelligence endpoints provide critical data for tracking and analyzing vessel movements. Here are some of the most relevant endpoints:
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 looking to track specific vessels and gather detailed information about them.
2. Live Vessel Tracking
The /vessels/track endpoint provides live position data, including up to 168 hours of position history, active routes, predicted ETA, 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": -120.45,
"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": 100,
"avg_speed_knots": 15
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel locations in real-time and predict arrival times accurately.
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 endpoint is particularly useful for port operators who need to manage vessel traffic and ensure efficient docking and unloading operations.
4. Vessel Analytics
The /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets, allowing for in-depth analysis of performance metrics.
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": 12,
"max_speed_knots": 18,
"port_calls_count": 3,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 24,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics companies looking to analyze vessel performance over time and optimize routes and schedules.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
The Fleet Operations endpoints allow for efficient management of multiple vessels simultaneously. Here are the key endpoints:
1. Fleet Management
The /vessels/fleet endpoint enables batch processing of positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in a single 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}' "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": -120.45
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is crucial for fleet managers who need to monitor and manage multiple vessels efficiently.
2. Green Vessel 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": 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 vital for companies focused on sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
The Port Intelligence endpoints provide insights into port operations, congestion, and vessel activity. Here are the key endpoints:
1. Port Congestion
The /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 essential for port operators to manage vessel traffic and optimize docking schedules.
2. Port Catalog
The /ports endpoint provides a full catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"ports": [
{
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"country": "Argentina",
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timezone": "UTC-3"
}
],
"total": 248
}
}This endpoint is useful for logistics companies to identify and manage port operations effectively.
Conclusion
The Vessels API provides a robust and comprehensive solution for accessing maritime data, enabling developers and businesses to optimize their operations, enhance compliance, and improve decision-making. With a wide range of endpoints covering vessel tracking, fleet operations, and port intelligence, the Vessels API is the go-to resource for anyone in the maritime industry.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to leverage real-time maritime data for your business. Try Vessels API for free and see how it can transform your operations today!
For more information and to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.
