Tank Ship Tracking API: Real-Time Maritime Data & Analytics

In the fast-paced world of maritime logistics, having access to real-time data is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing decision-making. The Vessels API provides developers, startups, and enterprise teams with a powerful REST API that delivers comprehensive 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 a single base URL for seamless integration.
Consistent JSON envelope in every response, ensuring ease of use.
Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates.
Scalable solutions suitable for indie developers to enterprise fleets.
7-day free trial available for all plans.

In this blog post, we will explore the most relevant endpoints for tank ship tracking, providing detailed explanations, practical use cases, and code examples to help you get started.

Vessel Intelligence 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 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": "Tank Ship",
"gross_tonnage": 50000,
"deadweight_tonnage": 30000,
"year_built": 2010,
"length_m": 250,
"width_m": 40
}
],
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"per_page": 1,
"total": 1,
"last_page": 1
}
}
}

This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and logistics teams looking to quickly identify vessels based on specific criteria, enabling efficient planning and operations.

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 information.

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": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45,
"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": 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 accurate ETAs and better coordination with port 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": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"ship_type": "Tank Ship",
"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, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency.

4. Vessel Analytics

The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets, allowing for in-depth performance analysis.

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": 500,
"avg_speed_knots": 12,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 3,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 24,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}

This endpoint is essential for fleet managers and ESG/compliance teams to track performance metrics, optimize routes, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Fleet Operations Endpoints

5. Fleet Tracking

The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows you to batch request positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in one go, streamlining fleet management.

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": 34.56,
"longitude": -120.45
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}

This endpoint is crucial for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, providing a comprehensive overview of fleet status and location.

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.

cURL Example:

curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/green?mmsi=258785000&period=30d"

Response Example:

{
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 500,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 100,
"co2_per_nm": 0.2
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}

This endpoint is vital for compliance teams and organizations focused on sustainability, enabling them to track emissions and improve their environmental impact.

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.

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": 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 essential for port operators to assess congestion levels and optimize vessel scheduling, reducing delays and improving efficiency.

8. Port Catalog

The GET /ports endpoint provides a full catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information.

cURL Example:

curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"

Response Example:

{
"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 needing to access detailed port information for planning and operational purposes.

Conclusion

The Vessels API is a powerful tool for developers and organizations in the maritime industry, providing essential data for vessel tracking, fleet management, port operations, and compliance. With its comprehensive set of endpoints and real-time data capabilities, the Vessels API enables users to optimize their operations, enhance decision-making, and improve overall efficiency.

Whether you are a fleet manager, logistics startup, or compliance team, the Vessels API offers the data and insights you need to succeed in the maritime sector. Try Vessels API for free today and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data and analytics.

For more information and to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.