In the maritime industry, real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making and operational efficiency. As global trade continues to expand, the need for accurate vessel tracking, port intelligence, and emissions scoring has never been more critical. This is where Vessels API comes into play, offering 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).
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, IMO CII emissions, and a premium real-time AIS feed.
- One API key, one base URL—no OAuth, no per-endpoint auth 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. This API is designed to solve the challenges of accessing and utilizing maritime data effectively.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name (fuzzy), IMO, or MMSI. Optional filters include ship type, flag, deadweight tonnage, TEU capacity, year built, and pagination.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/search?query=atlantic&flag=Panama"Example JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Vessels found",
"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": 250,
"width_m": 40
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 100,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for logistics companies needing to track specific vessels or for fleet managers looking to monitor their assets. By providing detailed vessel information, it enables users to make informed decisions regarding shipping routes and schedules.
2. Live Vessel Tracking
The GET /vessels/track endpoint provides live position data, up to 168 hours of position history, active routes, predicted ETAs, and weather conditions. Users must provide either the IMO or MMSI number.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/track?mmsi=258785000&hours=48"Example JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Vessel tracking data retrieved",
"data": {
"vessel": {
"imo": "258785000",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Vessel Name"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45,
"speed_knots": 15,
"course_degrees": 180,
"heading_degrees": 180,
"navigational_status": "Under way",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"destination": "Port of Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port of San Francisco",
"departure_time": "2023-10-12T08:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Port of Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 200,
"avg_speed_knots": 15
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is essential for real-time logistics management, allowing companies to optimize shipping routes and improve customer service by providing accurate ETAs.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint returns all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude. This is particularly useful for port operators and logistics companies monitoring vessel traffic in specific areas.
Example cURL 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 JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Nearby vessels retrieved",
"data": {
"center": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"radius_nm": 30,
"total": 5,
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "123456789",
"name": "Vessel A",
"ship_type": "Cargo",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.61,
"longitude": -58.39,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 1.5,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Under way"
}
]
}
}By utilizing this endpoint, port operators can enhance safety and efficiency by monitoring vessel movements in real-time, allowing for better traffic management and resource allocation.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets. This data is crucial for performance analysis and operational optimization.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/analytics?type=vessel&mmsi=258785000&period=7d"Example JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Analytics data retrieved",
"data": {
"type": "vessel",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Vessel Name",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 1500,
"avg_speed_knots": 12,
"max_speed_knots": 20,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 10,
"ports_visited": ["Port A", "Port B", "Port C"]
}
}
}This endpoint allows fleet managers to analyze performance metrics, helping them to identify trends and make data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
5. Fleet Management
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request. This is particularly useful for fleet managers who need to monitor several vessels simultaneously.
Example cURL 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,"include_routes":true}' "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/fleet"Example JSON 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": "Vessel A",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port A",
"destination_port": "Port B"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint simplifies fleet management by providing a consolidated view of vessel statuses, enabling fleet managers to respond quickly to changing conditions.
6. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for ESG reporting and regulatory compliance. Users can assess the environmental impact of their vessels over specified periods.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/green?mmsi=258785000&period=30d"Example JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Emissions data retrieved",
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Vessel Name",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 1500,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 100,
"co2_per_nm": 0.067
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for companies aiming to meet environmental regulations and improve their sustainability practices, providing critical data for ESG reporting.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
7. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified port. This information is vital for logistics planning and operational efficiency.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports/congestion?port_id=ARBUE&period=7d"Example JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Congestion data retrieved",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Example",
"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": 50
}
}
}This endpoint allows port operators to manage traffic effectively, reducing delays and improving service levels for shipping companies.
8. Full Port Catalog
The GET /ports endpoint provides a complete catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information. This is essential for logistics companies needing to plan routes and manage operations.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"Example JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Ports catalog retrieved",
"data": {
"ports": [
{
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port of Example",
"country": "Example Country",
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timezone": "UTC-3"
}
],
"total": 248
}
}This endpoint is crucial for any maritime operation, providing the foundational data needed for effective route planning and operational management.
9. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for a specified port, which is essential for logistics event feeds.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/activity?port=ARBUE"Example JSON response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Port activity data retrieved",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Example",
"arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Vessel A",
"arrival_time": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"from_port": "Port B"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785001",
"name": "Vessel B",
"departure_time": "2023-10-13T11:00:00Z",
"to_port": "Port C"
}
]
}
}This endpoint allows logistics companies to stay updated on port activities, facilitating better coordination and resource allocation.
Conclusion
In a rapidly evolving maritime industry, having access to reliable and comprehensive data is essential for operational success. The Vessels API provides a robust solution for developers and businesses looking to leverage maritime data for improved decision-making and efficiency. With features ranging from live vessel tracking to port intelligence and emissions scoring, Vessels API is the go-to resource for all maritime data needs.
Ready to enhance your maritime operations? Try Vessels API for free and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data today!
For more information and to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.
