In today's fast-paced maritime industry, having access to real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making and operational efficiency. Whether you are a fleet manager, a logistics startup, or part of an ESG compliance team, the ability to track vessels, analyze port conditions, and assess emissions is paramount. This is where Vessels API comes into play, offering a comprehensive REST API with 17 endpoints designed to provide developers and businesses 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.
- A consistent JSON envelope on every response, ensuring a uniform structure:
{status, success, message, data}. - Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates, providing timely and accurate data.
- A 7-day free trial on all plans, making it accessible for indie developers and enterprise fleets alike.
- Target users include developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams.
Key Features of Vessels API
Vessels API offers a wide array of features that cater to various maritime data needs. Below, we will explore the most relevant endpoints for vessel tracking and analytics, providing detailed explanations, code examples, and practical use cases.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
1. Search for Vessels
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 companies needing to quickly identify vessels for tracking or 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": "Vessel Name"
},
"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": "Port Name",
"eta": "2023-10-02T12:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port A",
"departure_time": "2023-10-01T10:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Port B",
"eta": "2023-10-02T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 100,
"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 /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves 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": "Nearby Vessel",
"ship_type": "Cargo",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 10,
"speed_knots": 10,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "At Anchor"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams to assess vessel density and manage port operations effectively.
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": "Vessel Name",
"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": ["Port A", "Port B"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and logistics teams to analyze performance metrics and optimize operations.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
5. Batch Fleet Data
The /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to retrieve batch 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 Name",
"position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port A",
"destination_port": "Port B"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly beneficial for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, enhancing operational efficiency.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
6. Port Congestion
The /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified 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 Name",
"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": 10
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for port operators to manage vessel traffic and optimize berth allocation.
7. Port Catalog
The /ports endpoint provides a full catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"ports": [
{
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port Name",
"country": "Country Name",
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timezone": "UTC"
}
],
"total": 248
}
}This endpoint is useful for logistics teams to identify ports and plan routes effectively.
Environmental Compliance
8. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The /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": "2587850",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Vessel Name",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 500,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 100,
"co2_per_nm": 0.2
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for companies focused on sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.
Conclusion
In an industry where timely and accurate data can make or break operational efficiency, Vessels API provides a robust solution for developers and businesses alike. With its comprehensive suite of endpoints, you can easily access vessel tracking data, analyze port conditions, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your maritime operations. Try Vessels API for free and see how it can transform your approach to maritime data and analytics.
Ready to get started? Get started with Vessels API today!
