In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time vessel tracking data is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring safety, and enhancing decision-making. The Vessels API provides a comprehensive solution for developers, startups, and enterprise teams looking to leverage maritime data through its robust REST API. With 17 endpoints covering vessel search, live AIS tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring, the Vessels API stands out as the go-to maritime data API.
Why Choose Vessels API?
The Vessels API offers a multitude of features that cater to the diverse needs of maritime professionals:
- 18 REST endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and emissions scoring.
- One API key and one base URL for seamless integration.
- 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, scalable from indie developers to enterprise fleets.
In this blog post, we will explore the key features of the Vessels API, providing detailed documentation, practical use cases, and code examples to help you get started.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. This endpoint supports optional filters such as ship type, flag, and more, making it versatile for various use cases.
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": "Vessels found",
"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 particularly useful for logistics startups and fleet managers who need to quickly locate vessels for 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 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 retrieved",
"data": {
"vessel": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45,
"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 and logistics teams to monitor vessel movements and optimize routes in real-time.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves 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 retrieved",
"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 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 users to analyze performance over specified periods.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/analytics?type=vessel&mmsi=258785000&period=7d"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Analytics data retrieved",
"data": {
"type": "vessel",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 1500,
"avg_speed_knots": 10,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 20,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers and ESG/compliance teams to track vessel performance and optimize operations.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
5. Fleet Management
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request, streamlining fleet management.
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 crucial for fleet managers to monitor multiple vessels efficiently and make informed decisions.
6. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for vessels, aiding in ESG reporting and regulatory compliance.
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": 1500,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 100,
"co2_per_nm": 0.067
},
"cii": {
"score": 3,
"rating": "C",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for compliance teams to track emissions and ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
7. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for ports, helping logistics teams manage port operations effectively.
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": "Congestion data retrieved",
"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": 50
}
}
}This endpoint is vital for port operators to assess congestion levels and optimize berth allocations.
8. Full Port Catalog
The GET /ports endpoint provides a complete catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Ports data retrieved",
"data": {
"ports": [
{
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"country": "Argentina",
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timezone": "America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires"
}
],
"total": 248
}
}This endpoint is useful for logistics teams to access comprehensive port information for planning and operations.
9. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for logistics event feeds, enabling teams to stay updated on port activities.
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 retrieved",
"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": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"departure_time": "2023-10-14T10:36:00Z",
"to_port": "Los Angeles"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is crucial for logistics teams to track vessel movements and manage schedules effectively.
Conclusion
The Vessels API offers a powerful suite of tools for maritime data access, enabling developers and businesses to optimize their operations, enhance decision-making, and ensure compliance with regulations. With its comprehensive endpoints for vessel tracking, fleet management, port intelligence, and emissions scoring, the Vessels API is an invaluable resource for anyone in the maritime industry.
Ready to harness the power of maritime data? Try Vessels API for free and start building your maritime solutions today!
For more information, Get started with Vessels API and explore the extensive documentation available.
