In the maritime industry, real-time data and analytics are crucial for effective decision-making and operational efficiency. As the demand for accurate vessel tracking and port intelligence grows, developers and businesses need reliable APIs that can 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 (Automatic Identification System). With 17 REST endpoints, Vessels API covers everything from vessel search and live tracking to fleet operations and port intelligence, making it the go-to maritime data API.
Why Choose Vessels API?
Vessels API stands out in the crowded maritime data landscape for several reasons:
- Comprehensive Coverage: With 17 REST endpoints, Vessels API provides extensive data on vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring.
- Simple Authentication: One API key and one base URL for all endpoints, eliminating the complexity of OAuth and per-endpoint authentication differences.
- Consistent Response Structure: Every response follows a consistent JSON envelope, making it easier for developers to handle data.
- Global AIS Coverage: Near real-time refresh rates ensure that users have access to the latest vessel positions and statuses.
- Scalable Solutions: Whether you are an indie developer or part of an enterprise fleet, Vessels API scales to meet your needs.
- Free Trial: A 7-day free trial allows users to explore the API's capabilities without commitment.
Key Features of Vessels API
Vessels API offers a variety of endpoints that cater to different maritime data needs. Below, we will explore the most relevant endpoints in detail, including their features, use cases, and example responses.
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. This is particularly useful for logistics companies and fleet managers who need to quickly locate vessels in their operations.
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": "9702510",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "ZJ ATLANTIC",
"flag": "Liberia",
"vessel_type": "Bulk Carrier",
"gross_tonnage": "36332",
"deadweight_tonnage": "50000",
"year_built": "2015",
"length_m": "199.90",
"width_m": "32.26"
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 100,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for developers building applications that require vessel identification and tracking. By providing various filters such as ship type and flag, users can refine their searches to find specific vessels that meet their operational needs.
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. This is essential for logistics and fleet management applications.
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": "9702510",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "ZJ ATLANTIC"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": "6.39686",
"longitude": "3.40037",
"speed_knots": "7.9",
"course_degrees": "180",
"heading_degrees": "180",
"navigational_status": "Under way using engine",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"destination": "Port of Lagos",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port Klang Anch., Malaysia",
"departure_time": "2023-10-11T00:45:00Z",
"destination_port": "Mtwara, Tanzania",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": "200",
"avg_speed_knots": "7.5"
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is crucial for real-time tracking applications, allowing users to monitor vessel movements and make informed decisions based on current data. Fleet managers can optimize routes and manage logistics more effectively by leveraging this data.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint returns all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude. This is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams who need to monitor vessel traffic in specific areas.
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": "9702510",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "ZJ ATLANTIC",
"ship_type": "Bulk Carrier",
"position": {
"latitude": "6.39686",
"longitude": "3.40037",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": "25",
"speed_knots": "7.9",
"course_degrees": "180",
"navigational_status": "Under way using engine"
}
]
}
}This endpoint enhances situational awareness for port operators, enabling them to manage incoming and outgoing vessels effectively. By knowing which vessels are nearby, operators can optimize docking schedules and improve safety protocols.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets. This data is essential for performance analysis and operational efficiency improvements.
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",
"data": {
"type": "vessel",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "9702510",
"name": "ZJ ATLANTIC",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": "200",
"avg_speed_knots": "7.5",
"max_speed_knots": "10.0",
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 20,
"ports_visited": ["Port Klang", "Mtwara"]
}
}
}By analyzing this data, fleet managers can identify trends, optimize routes, and improve overall fleet performance. This endpoint is particularly valuable for businesses focused on efficiency and cost reduction.
5. Fleet Operations
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one request. This is a game-changer for large fleet operators.
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,"include_routes":true}' "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/fleet"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Fleet data",
"data": {
"fleet": {
"total_vessels": 2,
"vessels_at_sea": 1,
"vessels_in_port": 1
},
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "9122556",
"mmsi": "309374000",
"name": "Vessel A",
"position": {
"latitude": "6.39686",
"longitude": "3.40037"
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "Port Klang",
"destination_port": "Mtwara"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint simplifies fleet management by allowing operators to retrieve data for multiple vessels in a single call, saving time and reducing complexity.
6. IMO CII 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:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "CII emissions data",
"data": {
"imo": "9702510",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "ZJ ATLANTIC",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": "200",
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": "50",
"co2_per_nm": "0.25"
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for companies looking to improve their sustainability practices and comply with environmental regulations. By tracking emissions, businesses can make informed decisions about their operations and reduce their carbon footprint.
7. Port Intelligence
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for ports, which is vital for logistics planning.
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": 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
}
}
}By understanding port congestion, logistics teams can optimize their schedules and reduce delays, ultimately improving service levels and customer satisfaction.
8. Full Port Catalog
The GET /ports endpoint provides a complete catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information. This is essential for applications that require comprehensive port data.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Port catalog data",
"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 particularly useful for developers building applications that require detailed port information for logistics and shipping operations.
9. Detailed Port Data
The GET /ports/data endpoint provides detailed information for a single port, including live vessel counts. This is essential for real-time port operations management.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports/data?port=ARBUE"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Port data",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"country": "Argentina",
"latitude": "-34.60",
"longitude": "-58.38",
"timezone": "America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires",
"vessels_in_port": 10,
"vessels_expected": 5
}
}This endpoint allows port operators to monitor current vessel activity and plan accordingly, enhancing operational efficiency.
10. Expected Arrivals
The GET /port/expected-arrivals endpoint provides information on vessels expected to arrive at a port, including ETAs and origins. This is crucial for logistics planning.
Example Request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/expected-arrivals?port=ARBUE"Example Response:
{
"status": 200,
"success": true,
"message": "Expected arrivals data",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Buenos Aires",
"expected_arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "9702510",
"name": "ZJ ATLANTIC",
"vessel_type": "Bulk Carrier",
"eta": "2023-10-15T12:00:00Z",
"departure_port": "Port Klang"
}
],
"total": 1
}
}By knowing which vessels are expected, port operators can prepare for arrivals and optimize docking schedules, improving overall efficiency.
11. Recent Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides information on recent arrivals and departures for a specific port. This 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": "ZJ ATLANTIC",
"arrival_time": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"from_port": "Port Klang"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785001",
"name": "Vessel B",
"departure_time": "2023-10-12T10:00:00Z",
"to_port": "Port of Santos"
}
]
}
}This endpoint helps logistics teams stay informed about vessel movements, allowing for better coordination and planning.
Conclusion
Vessels API is an essential tool for developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, and port operators looking to leverage maritime data for operational efficiency and decision-making. With its comprehensive set of endpoints, Vessels API provides the necessary data to enhance vessel tracking, optimize fleet operations, and improve port intelligence.
Whether you are building a fleet dashboard, managing logistics ETAs, or ensuring compliance with ESG regulations, Vessels API has the capabilities to meet your needs. Try Vessels API for free and discover how it can transform your maritime operations today!
For more information and to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.
