In the maritime industry, real-time data and analytics are crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring safety, and enhancing decision-making processes. The Vessels API provides a comprehensive solution for developers, startups, and enterprise teams looking to access 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, the Vessels API stands out as the go-to maritime data API.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API offers a robust set of features that cater to various maritime data needs:
- 18 REST endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and emissions scoring.
- 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.
- 7-day free trial on all plans, scaling from indie developers to enterprise fleets.
Target users include developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams. This blog post will delve into the specific features of the Vessels API, focusing on LNG carrier tracking and how it can enhance maritime operations.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. Optional filters include ship type, flag, deadweight tonnage, and year built, making it a versatile tool for vessel identification.
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": "LNG Carrier",
"gross_tonnage": 100000,
"deadweight_tonnage": 80000,
"year_built": 2010,
"length_m": 300,
"width_m": 50
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 10,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams needing to identify vessels quickly, especially when planning routes or managing fleets.
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. This is particularly useful for fleet managers and logistics operators.
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": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45,
"speed_knots": 15,
"course_degrees": 270,
"heading_degrees": 270,
"navigational_status": "Under way",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"destination": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "Houston",
"departure_time": "2023-10-10T08:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 1500,
"avg_speed_knots": 15
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint allows for real-time tracking of LNG carriers, enabling logistics teams to optimize routes and manage schedules effectively.
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 monitoring traffic in specific areas.
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": "LNG Carrier",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 10,
"speed_knots": 15,
"course_degrees": 270,
"navigational_status": "Under way"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for monitoring vessel traffic around ports, allowing for better traffic management and safety protocols.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics, allowing users to analyze performance over different periods. This is crucial for fleet managers looking to optimize operations and improve efficiency.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/analytics?type=vessel&mmsi=258785000&period=7d"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Analytics data",
"data": {
"type": "vessel",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 1000,
"avg_speed_knots": 15,
"max_speed_knots": 20,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 48,
"ports_visited": ["Houston", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint helps in understanding vessel performance, enabling better decision-making regarding fleet management and operational efficiency.
Fleet Operations
5. Batch Fleet Tracking
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to retrieve batch positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request. This is particularly useful for large fleet operators managing numerous vessels simultaneously.
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",
"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": "Houston",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint streamlines fleet management, allowing operators to monitor multiple vessels efficiently.
6. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for ESG reporting and regulatory compliance. This is increasingly important for companies focusing on sustainability and environmental impact.
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 data",
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 1000,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 50,
"co2_per_nm": 0.05
},
"cii": {
"score": 75,
"rating": "B",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for companies aiming to meet environmental regulations and improve their sustainability practices.
Port Intelligence
7. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a port. This is crucial for logistics teams planning arrivals and departures.
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",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Arbue",
"period": "7d",
"snapshot": {
"vessels_in_anchorage": 10,
"vessels_at_berth": 5
},
"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 helps in managing port operations effectively, reducing delays and improving turnaround times.
8. Full Port Catalog
The GET /ports endpoint provides a full catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information. This is useful for logistics teams needing to plan routes and manage port calls.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Port catalog",
"data": {
"ports": [
{
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port of Arbue",
"country": "Country A",
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timezone": "UTC-3"
}
],
"total": 248
}
}This endpoint provides essential data for planning and optimizing shipping routes.
9. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for logistics event feeds. This is crucial for real-time monitoring of port operations.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/activity?port=ARBUE"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Port activity data",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Arbue",
"arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"arrival_time": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"from_port": "Houston"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"departure_time": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"to_port": "Los Angeles"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is vital for keeping track of vessel movements in and out of ports, enhancing operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The Vessels API is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in maritime operations, providing real-time data and analytics that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. With its comprehensive 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 offers the data you need to optimize your operations and meet regulatory requirements. Get started with Vessels API today and unlock the potential of maritime data.
For more information, visit Vessels API and Try Vessels API for free.
