Introduction
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 provides developers, startups, and enterprise teams with a powerful REST API that offers comprehensive maritime data, including vessel tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and emissions scoring. With 17 endpoints designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry, this API is your go-to solution for accessing global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The 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.
- 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.
In this blog post, we will explore the key features of the Vessels API, focusing on the RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel tracking capabilities. We will cover the most relevant endpoints, provide code examples, and discuss practical use cases to demonstrate how this API can enhance your maritime operations.
Vessel Intelligence 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": "RoRo",
"gross_tonnage": 30000,
"deadweight_tonnage": 20000,
"year_built": 2010,
"length_m": 200,
"width_m": 30
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 1,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams looking to quickly identify vessels in their fleet or those they plan to engage with.
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.
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": -120.45,
"speed_knots": 15,
"course_degrees": 90,
"heading_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Underway",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z",
"destination": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"departure_time": "2023-10-01T10:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 100,
"avg_speed_knots": 15
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel locations in real-time, ensuring timely arrivals and optimizing logistics operations.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /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": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"ship_type": "RoRo",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 10,
"speed_knots": 15,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Underway"
}
]
}
}This feature is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams to assess vessel traffic in specific areas, facilitating better port management and operational planning.
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": 14,
"max_speed_knots": 18,
"port_calls_count": 3,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 12,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and logistics teams to analyze performance metrics, optimize routes, and improve operational efficiency.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
5. Fleet Management
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows you to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one go.
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": "Atlantic Voyager",
"position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is a game-changer for fleet managers, allowing them to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
6. Port Congestion
The GET /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 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": 4,
"port_calls_count": 20
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for port operators to manage vessel traffic effectively, reducing wait times and improving overall port efficiency.
7. Expected Arrivals
The GET /port/expected-arrivals endpoint lists vessels expected to arrive at a specified port, including their ETA and origin.
cURL Example:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/expected-arrivals?port=ARBUE"Response Example:
{
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"expected_arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"vessel_type": "RoRo",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}This feature is invaluable for logistics teams to plan for incoming vessels, ensuring that port resources are allocated efficiently.
Conclusion
The Vessels API is a powerful tool for anyone involved in maritime logistics, offering a comprehensive suite of endpoints that provide real-time data and analytics for RoRo vessels and beyond. By leveraging this API, developers can build robust applications that enhance fleet management, optimize port operations, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Whether you are a developer looking to integrate maritime data into your applications or a fleet manager seeking to improve operational efficiency, the Vessels API has the tools you need. Try Vessels API for free today and discover how it can transform your maritime operations.
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