In the maritime industry, real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations. As the demand for accurate vessel tracking and maritime analytics grows, developers and businesses need reliable APIs that provide comprehensive maritime data. This is where Vessels API comes into play, offering a robust solution for accessing global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS.
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, simplifying authentication and usage.
- 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.
Whether you are a developer, logistics startup, fleet manager, port operator, or part of an ESG/compliance team, Vessels API provides the tools you need to enhance your maritime operations.
Key Features of Vessels API
Vessel Intelligence
The Vessel Intelligence endpoints allow users to gather detailed information about vessels, track their movements, and analyze their performance. Here are some of the most relevant endpoints:
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint enables users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. Optional filters such as ship type, flag, and year built can refine the search.
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": "Vessel tracking data",
"data": {
"vessel": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": 34.0522,
"longitude": -118.2437,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 90,
"heading_degrees": 90,
"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 allows users to find all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude.
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 data",
"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": 5,
"speed_knots": 10,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Under way"
}
]
}
}This feature is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams looking to assess vessel traffic in specific areas.
Fleet Operations
Managing a fleet efficiently requires comprehensive data on multiple vessels. The Fleet Operations endpoints allow users to batch request data for several vessels simultaneously.
4. Fleet Data
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint enables users to retrieve batch positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request.
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}' "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 invaluable for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, allowing for better resource allocation and operational efficiency.
Port Intelligence
Understanding port conditions and traffic is essential for optimizing logistics and ensuring timely operations. The Port Intelligence endpoints provide real-time insights into port activities.
5. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified port.
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": "Port congestion data",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"period": "7d",
"snapshot": {
"vessels_in_anchorage": 5,
"vessels_at_berth": 10
},
"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": 50
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for logistics teams to plan arrivals and departures effectively, minimizing delays and optimizing berth usage.
6. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for a specified 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 data",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"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 helps logistics teams stay informed about vessel movements, facilitating better coordination and planning.
IMO CII Emissions Scoring
With increasing regulatory scrutiny on emissions, the GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for vessels, aiding compliance and sustainability efforts.
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 Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 3000,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 150,
"co2_per_nm": 0.05
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for ESG teams and compliance officers to monitor and report on vessel emissions, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations.
Conclusion
Vessels API provides a comprehensive suite of endpoints that empower developers and businesses to access real-time maritime data and analytics. From vessel tracking and fleet operations to port intelligence and emissions scoring, Vessels API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry.
By leveraging Vessels API, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and ensure compliance with regulations. Whether you are building a logistics platform, a fleet management system, or an ESG reporting tool, Vessels API is the go-to solution for maritime data.
Ready to get started? Try Vessels API for free and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data!
