Survey Vessel Tracking API: Real-Time Maritime Data & Analytics

Survey Vessel Tracking API: Real-Time Maritime Data & Analytics

Survey Vessel Tracking API: Real-Time Maritime Data & Analytics

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 endpoints covering vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring, the Vessels API is designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry.

Why Choose Vessels API?

The Vessels API stands out in the maritime data landscape for several reasons:

  • 18 REST endpoints covering a wide range of functionalities.
  • One API key and one base URL, simplifying authentication.
  • Consistent JSON envelope on every response: {status, success, message, data}.
  • Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
  • 7-day free trial available for 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 provides the tools you need to succeed.

Key Endpoints for Vessel Tracking

Let’s dive into the most relevant endpoints for vessel tracking and analytics, showcasing their capabilities and practical applications.

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 teams needing to quickly identify vessels for tracking or 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 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": 34.0522,
"longitude": -118.2437,
"speed_knots": 12,
"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": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}

This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers who need to monitor vessel movements in real-time, ensuring timely arrivals and efficient 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": 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 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": 10,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 20,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}

This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and logistics teams to analyze performance metrics, optimize routes, and improve operational efficiency.

5. Fleet Operations

The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to batch request 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": 34.0522,
"longitude": -118.2437
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}

This endpoint is a game-changer for fleet managers, enabling them to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency.

Port Intelligence Endpoints

In addition to vessel tracking, the Vessels API provides valuable insights into port operations through various endpoints.

1. Port Congestion

The GET /ports/congestion endpoint offers real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specific 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 effectively, reducing congestion and improving turnaround times.

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 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, ensuring that port resources are allocated efficiently.

Conclusion

The Vessels API is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in maritime operations. With its extensive range of endpoints, developers can easily integrate real-time vessel tracking and port intelligence into their applications, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities. Whether you are building a fleet dashboard, optimizing logistics ETAs, or managing port operations, the Vessels API provides the data and insights you need to succeed.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to leverage powerful maritime data. Try Vessels API for free and experience the benefits of real-time maritime data and analytics today!

Ready to get started? Get started with Vessels API and unlock the potential of maritime data for your business.

Keywords
Survey Vessel Tracking API real-time maritime data vessel tracking analytics maritime logistics API API development for vessels

Ready to get started?

Get your API key and start tracking vessels in minutes.

Get API Key

Related posts