In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making. Whether you are a fleet manager, a logistics startup, or part of an ESG compliance team, the ability to track vessels, analyze their performance, and understand port conditions can significantly enhance operational efficiency. This is where Vessels API comes into play, offering a comprehensive suite of 17 REST endpoints designed to provide developers and organizations with instant access to global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS (Automatic Identification System).
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, eliminating the complexity of OAuth and per-endpoint authentication differences.
- Consistent JSON envelope on every response:
{status, success, message, data}. - Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
- Scalable solutions suitable for indie developers to enterprise fleets.
- 7-day free trial available on all plans.
In this blog post, we will explore the key features of the Vessels API, focusing on its multihull tracking capabilities and how it can be leveraged for various maritime applications.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
The Vessels API provides several endpoints dedicated to vessel intelligence, allowing users to search for vessels, track their movements, and analyze their performance. 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": 30
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 10,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams looking to quickly identify vessels based on various criteria, enabling efficient fleet management 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": "2587850",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Nordic Star",
"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": 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 allows you to retrieve 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 and logistics teams looking to assess vessel traffic in specific areas, aiding in congestion management and operational planning.
4. Vessel Analytics
The /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics, allowing users to switch modes between vessel, port, or fleet analytics.
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": "2587850",
"name": "Nordic Star",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 1500,
"avg_speed_knots": 14,
"max_speed_knots": 20,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 12,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and logistics teams to evaluate vessel performance over time, enabling data-driven decisions for operational improvements.
Fleet Operations
The Vessels API also offers endpoints specifically designed for fleet operations, allowing users to manage multiple vessels efficiently.
5. 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": "Vessel One",
"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 multiple vessels simultaneously, providing a comprehensive overview of fleet status and performance.
Port Intelligence
Understanding port conditions is vital for optimizing logistics and ensuring timely operations. The Vessels API provides several endpoints dedicated to port intelligence.
6. 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": 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": 15
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for port operators and logistics teams to manage congestion effectively, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing delays.
7. Expected Arrivals
The /port/expected-arrivals endpoint provides information on vessels expected to arrive at a specific port, including their ETA and origin.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/expected-arrivals?port=ARBUE"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"expected_arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "123456789",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"vessel_type": "Cargo",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}This endpoint is crucial for logistics teams to plan for incoming vessels, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and operations run smoothly.
Environmental Compliance
With increasing regulatory scrutiny on emissions, the Vessels API provides endpoints for tracking IMO CII emissions scoring, essential for ESG reporting and compliance.
8. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for vessels, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements.
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": "2587850",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Nordic Star",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 1500,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 300,
"co2_per_nm": 0.2
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is vital for organizations aiming to improve their environmental performance and comply with international regulations.
Conclusion
The Vessels API offers a robust and comprehensive solution for accessing maritime data, making it an invaluable tool for developers, fleet managers, port operators, and compliance teams. With its extensive range of endpoints, real-time data capabilities, and user-friendly design, Vessels API is positioned as the go-to maritime data API.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your maritime operations. Try Vessels API for free and discover how it can transform your approach to vessel tracking, fleet management, and environmental compliance.
Ready to get started? Get started with Vessels API today and unlock the full potential of maritime data!
