In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time data is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing decision-making. The Vessels API offers 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, the Vessels API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API stands out for several reasons:
- 18 REST endpoints covering a wide range of functionalities.
- One API key and one base URL for simplified access.
- Consistent JSON envelope on every response, making it easy to parse data.
- Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
- Scalable solutions suitable for indie developers to enterprise fleets.
- 7-day free trial available for all plans.
In this blog post, we will explore the key features of the Vessels API, including detailed documentation of the most relevant endpoints, practical use cases, and code examples to help you get started.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
The Vessel Intelligence endpoints provide critical data for tracking and analyzing vessels. Here are the key endpoints:
1. Vessel Search
The GET /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": 32
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 10,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams looking to quickly identify vessels for tracking or 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 information.
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": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -58.38,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 180,
"heading_degrees": 180,
"navigational_status": "Underway",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z",
"destination": "New York",
"eta": "2023-10-05T08:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "Los Angeles",
"departure_time": "2023-10-01T08:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "New York",
"eta": "2023-10-05T08:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 2500,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel movements in real-time and optimize logistics operations.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint returns 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": "258785000",
"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": "Underway"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams to assess vessel traffic in specific areas.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /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": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 500,
"avg_speed_knots": 10,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 3,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 12,
"ports_visited": ["Los Angeles", "San Francisco"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and ESG/compliance teams to analyze vessel performance and operational efficiency.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
The Fleet Operations endpoints enable batch processing of vessel data, making it easier to manage multiple vessels simultaneously.
5. Fleet Data
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to retrieve batch positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one 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": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "Los Angeles",
"destination_port": "New York"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels and their operational statuses in real-time.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
The Port Intelligence endpoints provide insights into port operations, congestion, and vessel activity.
6. Port Congestion
The GET /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": 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
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for port operators to manage vessel traffic and optimize berth allocation.
7. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for logistics event feeds.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/activity?port=ARBUE"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"arrival_time": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z",
"from_port": "Los Angeles"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"departure_time": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z",
"to_port": "New York"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams to track vessel movements and plan accordingly.
IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for ESG reporting and regulatory compliance.
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": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 500,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 100,
"co2_per_nm": 0.2
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is critical for ESG and compliance teams to monitor and report on vessel emissions, ensuring adherence to regulations.
Conclusion
The Vessels API provides a powerful suite of tools for accessing real-time maritime data and analytics. With its comprehensive endpoints, developers can easily integrate vessel tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and emissions scoring into their applications. Whether you are a logistics startup, fleet manager, or port operator, the Vessels API is designed to meet your needs.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your maritime operations. Try Vessels API for free and experience the benefits of real-time maritime data today!
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