In the maritime industry, real-time data and analytics are crucial for effective fleet management, logistics planning, and compliance with environmental regulations. The Vessels API offers 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, the Vessels API provides a robust platform for vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API stands out in the maritime data landscape for several reasons:
- Comprehensive coverage with 17 REST endpoints.
- Unified authentication with a single API key and base URL.
- Consistent JSON response structure across all endpoints.
- Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
- Flexible usage for developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams.
- 7-day free trial available for all plans.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. This endpoint supports optional filters such as ship type, flag, and dimensions, making it a powerful 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": "Cargo",
"gross_tonnage": 50000,
"deadweight_tonnage": 30000,
"year_built": 2010,
"length_m": 250,
"width_m": 40
}
],
"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 GET /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 retrieved",
"data": {
"vessel": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"current_position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 180,
"heading_degrees": 180,
"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": "San Francisco",
"departure_time": "2023-10-12T08:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel movements in real-time, ensuring timely arrivals and optimizing logistics.
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.
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 retrieved",
"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": 10,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 180,
"navigational_status": "Under way"
}
]
}
}By using this endpoint, port operators can efficiently manage incoming and outgoing vessels, ensuring smooth operations.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics, allowing users to analyze vessel performance over specified periods.
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 retrieved",
"data": {
"type": "vessel",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 20,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for fleet managers looking to optimize routes and improve operational efficiency based on historical data.
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 go, streamlining fleet management.
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,"include_routes":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 simultaneously, enhancing operational oversight.
6. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for vessels, which is vital 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 data retrieved",
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 300,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 50,
"co2_per_nm": 0.17
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint helps companies track their emissions and comply with environmental regulations, making it a critical tool for sustainability efforts.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
7. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for ports, which is crucial for logistics planning.
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 Arbue",
"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": 4,
"port_calls_count": 20
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams to anticipate delays and optimize scheduling.
8. Port Catalog
The GET /ports endpoint provides a full catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information.
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 retrieved",
"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 is useful for developers needing to integrate port data into their applications.
9. Port Data
The GET /ports/data endpoint provides detailed information for a single port, including live vessel counts.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports/data?port=ARBUE"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Port data retrieved",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port of Arbue",
"country": "Country A",
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timezone": "UTC-3",
"vessels_in_port": 10,
"vessels_expected": 5
}
}This endpoint is critical for port operators to manage incoming and outgoing traffic effectively.
10. Expected Arrivals
The GET /port/expected-arrivals endpoint lists vessels expected to arrive at a port, including their 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 retrieved",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Arbue",
"expected_arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"vessel_type": "Cargo",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}This endpoint helps logistics teams plan for incoming vessels and manage resources accordingly.
11. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for a port, which is essential for tracking logistics events.
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 retrieved",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Arbue",
"arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"arrival_time": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"from_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785001",
"name": "Pacific Explorer",
"departure_time": "2023-10-12T08:00:00Z",
"to_port": "Los Angeles"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is vital for port operators to keep track of vessel movements and manage port operations efficiently.
Conclusion
The Vessels API provides a powerful suite of tools for accessing maritime data, enabling developers and businesses to optimize their operations, enhance compliance, and improve decision-making. With its comprehensive endpoints covering vessel tracking, fleet operations, and port intelligence, the Vessels API is the go-to solution for anyone in the maritime industry.
To get started with the Vessels API, try Vessels API for free and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data.
