Introduction
In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time data is crucial for operational efficiency and decision-making. The Vessels API provides developers, startups, and enterprise teams with a comprehensive REST API that covers a wide array of maritime data, including vessel tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and emissions scoring. With 17 endpoints designed to deliver global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS, this API is the go-to solution for anyone looking to enhance their maritime applications.
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, eliminating the complexity of OAuth and 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, making it accessible for indie developers and enterprise fleets alike.
Whether you are a developer building a fleet dashboard, a logistics startup optimizing ETAs, or a port operator managing operations, the Vessels API is designed to meet your needs.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
The Vessel Intelligence endpoints are essential for obtaining detailed information about vessels, including their current positions, historical data, and analytics. Here are 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 -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/search?query=atlantic&flag=Panama"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": 250,
"width_m": 40
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 10,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for logistics teams needing to identify vessels quickly, enabling efficient fleet management and 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.
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/track?mmsi=258785000&hours=48"Response:
{
"data": {
"vessel": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager"
},
"current_position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.34,
"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": 500,
"avg_speed_knots": 15
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is crucial for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel movements in real-time, ensuring timely arrivals and optimizing logistics operations.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude.
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:
{
"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": "2023-10-01T12:00:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 10,
"speed_knots": 15,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Underway"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams to assess vessel traffic in specific areas, aiding in congestion management and operational planning.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics, allowing users to switch modes between vessel, port, or fleet analytics.
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/analytics?type=vessel&mmsi=258785000&period=7d"Response:
{
"data": {
"type": "vessel",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"imo": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12,
"max_speed_knots": 18,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 20,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and ESG teams to analyze vessel performance over time, helping to identify trends and optimize operations.
Fleet Operations Endpoint
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one go, streamlining fleet management.
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:
{
"data": {
"fleet": {
"total_vessels": 2,
"vessels_at_sea": 1,
"vessels_in_port": 1
},
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "9122556",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"position": {
"latitude": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.34
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is a game-changer for fleet managers, allowing them to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, improving operational efficiency and decision-making.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
The Port Intelligence endpoints provide critical insights into port operations, including congestion levels, expected arrivals, and recent activity.
1. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint offers real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified port.
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports/congestion?port_id=ARBUE&period=7d"Response:
{
"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 vital for port operators to manage vessel traffic effectively, ensuring timely berthing and reducing congestion.
2. 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 -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/port/expected-arrivals?port=ARBUE"Response:
{
"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, optimizing port operations and resource allocation.
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. From vessel tracking to port intelligence, this API enables developers to build robust applications that enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to leverage this powerful maritime data API. Try Vessels API for free and see how it can transform your maritime operations today!
For more information and to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.
