In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time vessel tracking and analytics is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing decision-making. 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. With 17 endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring, Vessels API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry.
Why Choose Vessels API?
Vessels API stands out in the maritime data landscape for several reasons:
- 18 REST endpoints that cover a wide range of functionalities, including vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and emissions scoring.
- One API key and one base URL, eliminating the complexity of OAuth and per-endpoint authentication differences.
- A consistent JSON envelope in every response, ensuring developers can easily parse and utilize the data.
- Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates, providing accurate and timely information.
- A 7-day free trial on all plans, allowing users to explore the API's capabilities without commitment.
- Targeted towards developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams.
Key Features and Endpoints
Vessels API offers a robust set of endpoints designed to provide critical maritime data. Below, we will explore the most relevant endpoints in detail, showcasing their capabilities and practical use cases.
Vessel Intelligence
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:
{
"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": 1,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and logistics teams who need to quickly locate vessels for operational planning and tracking.
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:
{
"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 logistics teams needing to monitor vessel movements in real-time, allowing for better planning and coordination.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude. This is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams.
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:
{
"data": {
"center": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"radius_nm": 30,
"total": 5,
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "123456789",
"name": "Vessel A",
"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 helps port operators manage vessel traffic and optimize docking schedules.
Fleet Operations
4. 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:
{
"data": {
"fleet": {
"total_vessels": 2,
"vessels_at_sea": 1,
"vessels_in_port": 1
},
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "9122556",
"mmsi": "309374000",
"name": "Vessel A",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port A",
"destination_port": "Port B"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, enhancing operational efficiency.
Port Intelligence
5. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified port, helping port operators manage traffic 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:
{
"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": 3,
"port_calls_count": 20
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for optimizing port operations and reducing delays.
6. Expected Arrivals
The GET /port/expected-arrivals endpoint lists vessels expected to arrive at a specified port, including their ETA and origin.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/expected-arrivals?port=ARBUE"Example Response:
{
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"expected_arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "123456789",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Vessel A",
"vessel_type": "Cargo",
"eta": "2023-10-02T12:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "Port of Montevideo"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}This endpoint aids in planning and resource allocation for incoming vessels.
IMO CII Emissions Scoring
7. Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for vessels, which is essential for 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:
{
"data": {
"imo": "2587850",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Vessel Name",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 1000,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 50,
"co2_per_nm": 0.05
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is vital for companies aiming to meet environmental standards and improve sustainability practices.
Conclusion
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, Vessels API has the capabilities you need.
With its user-friendly design, consistent response structure, and extensive coverage, Vessels API is the go-to maritime data API for developers and businesses alike. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your maritime operations—try Vessels API for free and see the difference it can make in your operations.
Ready to get started? Get started with Vessels API today!
