In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time vessel tracking 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 robust endpoints, the Vessels API covers everything from vessel search and live tracking to fleet operations and port intelligence, making it the go-to solution for maritime data needs.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API stands out 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—no OAuth or 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, scaling from indie developers to enterprise fleets.
- Target users include developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
The Vessel Intelligence endpoints are designed to provide detailed information about individual vessels, their current positions, and historical data. Here are some of 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 companies looking to track specific vessels or gather information for fleet management.
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": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 15
},
"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 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": "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": "At Anchor"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams looking to assess vessel traffic in specific areas.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets, allowing for in-depth analysis of performance metrics.
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": 1500,
"avg_speed_knots": 12,
"max_speed_knots": 20,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 48,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and ESG/compliance teams to track performance and ensure regulatory compliance.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
The Fleet Operations endpoints allow for batch processing of vessel data, making it easier to manage multiple vessels simultaneously.
5. Fleet Management
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint enables 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": "309374000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly beneficial for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels efficiently.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
The Port Intelligence endpoints provide critical insights into port operations, including congestion and expected arrivals.
6. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint offers 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": 10,
"vessels_at_berth": 5
},
"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": 15
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for port operators to manage vessel traffic and optimize berth allocation.
7. Expected Arrivals
The GET /port/expected-arrivals endpoint provides information on vessels expected to arrive at a specific 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": "Cargo",
"eta": "2023-10-02T08:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams to plan for incoming vessels and manage port operations effectively.
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. Whether you are a developer building a fleet management dashboard, a logistics startup optimizing ETAs, or a port operator managing vessel traffic, the Vessels API has the capabilities you need to succeed.
With its user-friendly design, consistent response structure, and extensive coverage, the Vessels API is the ideal solution for accessing maritime data. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your operations—try Vessels API for free today and see the difference it can make for your business!
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