Offshore Platform Supply Vessel Tracking API: Real-Time Maritime Data & Analytics
In the maritime industry, the ability to track vessels in real-time is crucial for operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. Offshore Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) play a vital role in supporting offshore oil and gas operations, and having access to accurate, real-time data about their movements can significantly enhance logistics planning and fleet management. 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).
With 17 endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring, Vessels API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry. In this blog post, we will explore the key features of the Vessels API, focusing on how it can be utilized for tracking Offshore PSVs and enhancing maritime operations.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API stands out for several reasons:
- Comprehensive coverage with 17 REST endpoints.
- 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, making it accessible for indie developers and enterprise fleets alike.
Key Features of Vessels API for Offshore PSVs
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. This is particularly useful for fleet managers who need to quickly locate specific PSVs.
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": "Vessels found",
"data": {
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "123456789",
"name": "Atlantic Supply",
"flag": "Panama",
"vessel_type": "Supply Vessel",
"gross_tonnage": 5000,
"deadweight_tonnage": 3000,
"year_built": 2010,
"length_m": 80,
"width_m": 20
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 100,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}
This endpoint is essential for quickly identifying vessels in your fleet, allowing for efficient management and operational planning.
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 invaluable for real-time monitoring of PSVs.
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": "Vessel tracking data retrieved",
"data": {
"vessel": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Supply"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 90,
"heading_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Under way",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"destination": "Port of Call",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [
{
"timestamp": "2023-10-12T10:00:00Z",
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
}
],
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port of Departure",
"departure_time": "2023-10-12T10:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Port of Call",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 100,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": []
}
}
This endpoint allows fleet managers to monitor the real-time status of their PSVs, ensuring timely responses to any operational challenges.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude. This is useful for assessing the operational environment around a PSV.
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 Supply",
"ship_type": "Supply Vessel",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"distance_nm": 0,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Under way"
}
}
]
}
}
By using this endpoint, operators can assess the proximity of other vessels, which is critical for safety and operational efficiency.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets. This data is essential for performance analysis and operational improvements.
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 Supply",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 150,
"avg_speed_knots": 10,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 20,
"ports_visited": ["Port A", "Port B"]
}
}
}
This endpoint allows fleet managers to analyze the performance of their PSVs over time, helping to identify trends and areas for improvement.
5. Fleet Operations
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint enables batch processing of positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request. This is particularly useful for managing large fleets of PSVs.
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 Supply",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port of Departure",
"destination_port": "Port of Call"
}
}
]
}
}
This endpoint simplifies the management of multiple vessels, allowing for efficient tracking and operational oversight.
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 looking to meet environmental standards.
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": "Emissions data retrieved",
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Supply",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 150,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 10,
"co2_per_nm": 0.067
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}
This endpoint allows companies to track their emissions and ensure compliance with international regulations, which is crucial for maintaining a sustainable operation.
7. Port Intelligence
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a port. This is essential for optimizing port operations and reducing delays.
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 Example",
"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": 3,
"port_calls_count": 20
}
}
}
By utilizing this endpoint, fleet managers can make informed decisions about routing and scheduling, minimizing delays and improving efficiency.
Conclusion
The Vessels API provides a robust solution for tracking Offshore Platform Supply Vessels and enhancing maritime operations. With its comprehensive set of endpoints, developers can access real-time data, perform analytics, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Whether you are a fleet manager, logistics startup, or part of an enterprise team, the Vessels API is designed to meet your maritime data needs.
Ready to enhance your maritime operations? Try Vessels API for free and discover how real-time data can transform your logistics and fleet management.
For more information and to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.




