In the maritime industry, real-time data and analytics are crucial for effective fleet management, logistics planning, and compliance with environmental regulations. As the demand for efficient maritime operations grows, developers and businesses need reliable access to comprehensive vessel tracking and port intelligence data. This is where Vessels API comes into play, offering a robust REST API that provides instant access to global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS.
Why Choose Vessels API?
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—no OAuth or 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. With Vessels API, you can build applications that enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and ensure compliance with maritime regulations.
Key Features of Vessels API
Vessel Intelligence
The Vessel Intelligence endpoints provide essential data for tracking and managing vessels effectively. Here are some of the most relevant endpoints:
1. Vessel Search
The /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. You can also apply optional filters such as ship type, flag, and more.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/search?query=atlantic&flag=Panama"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Search results",
"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": 30
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 10,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for logistics companies needing to track specific vessels or for compliance teams verifying vessel details.
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.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/track?mmsi=258785000&hours=48"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Tracking data",
"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": "Under way",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"destination": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-14T12:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"departure_time": "2023-10-12T08:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-14T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is crucial for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel movements in real-time, allowing for better logistics planning and operational efficiency.
3. Nearby Vessels
The /vessels/nearby endpoint returns all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/nearby?latitude=-34.60&longitude=-58.38&radius=30"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Nearby vessels",
"data": {
"center": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"radius_nm": 30,
"total": 5,
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"ship_type": "Cargo",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 5,
"speed_knots": 10,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Under way"
}
]
}
}This feature is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams who need to assess vessel traffic in specific areas.
Fleet Operations
The Fleet Operations endpoints allow for batch processing of vessel data, making it easier to manage multiple vessels simultaneously.
4. Fleet Data
The /vessels/fleet endpoint enables users to retrieve batch positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request.
Example Request:
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"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Fleet data retrieved",
"data": {
"fleet": {
"total_vessels": 2,
"vessels_at_sea": 1,
"vessels_in_port": 1
},
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "9122556",
"mmsi": "309374000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels efficiently, allowing for better resource allocation and operational oversight.
Port Intelligence
Port Intelligence endpoints provide critical insights into port operations, congestion, and expected arrivals.
5. Port Congestion
The /ports/congestion endpoint offers real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified port.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports/congestion?port_id=ARBUE&period=7d"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Congestion data retrieved",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"period": "7d",
"snapshot": {
"vessels_in_anchorage": 5,
"vessels_at_berth": 10
},
"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": 50
}
}
}This endpoint is vital for port operators to manage traffic effectively and optimize berth allocation.
6. Expected Arrivals
The /port/expected-arrivals endpoint provides information on vessels expected to arrive at a specific port, including ETA and origin.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/expected-arrivals?port=ARBUE"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Expected arrivals data retrieved",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"expected_arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"vessel_type": "Cargo",
"eta": "2023-10-14T12:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}This feature is essential for logistics teams to prepare for incoming vessels and manage resources accordingly.
IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for ESG reporting and regulatory compliance.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/green?mmsi=258785000&period=30d"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "CII emissions data retrieved",
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 3000,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 150,
"co2_per_nm": 0.05
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for companies aiming to meet environmental regulations and improve their sustainability practices.
Conclusion
Vessels API provides a comprehensive suite of endpoints that empower developers and businesses to access real-time maritime data and analytics. From vessel tracking to port intelligence and emissions scoring, the API offers the tools necessary to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve decision-making in the maritime industry.
Whether you are a fleet manager, logistics startup, or part of an ESG compliance team, Vessels API is your go-to solution for maritime data. Try Vessels API for free and unlock the potential of real-time maritime analytics today!
For more information on how to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.
