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 offers a comprehensive solution for developers, startups, and enterprise teams looking to harness the power of maritime data. With 17 REST endpoints covering vessel search, live AIS 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 for several reasons:
- 18 REST endpoints that provide extensive coverage of vessel-related data.
- One API key and a single base URL simplify authentication and integration.
- Consistent JSON response structure across all endpoints, making it easy to parse and utilize data.
- Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates ensures you have the latest information.
- A 7-day free trial allows users to explore the API's capabilities without commitment.
- Target users include developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams.
Key Features of the Vessels API
The Vessels API provides a wide range of functionalities that can be leveraged for various applications. Below, we will explore the most relevant endpoints for tanker vessel tracking and their practical use cases.
Vessel Intelligence Endpoints
1. Search for Vessels
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.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/search?query=atlantic&flag=Panama"Example JSON response:
{
"data": {
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "123456789",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"flag": "Panama",
"vessel_type": "Tanker",
"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 essential for fleet managers and logistics teams to quickly locate vessels and gather key information for 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 ETA, and weather conditions.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/track?mmsi=258785000&hours=48"Example JSON response:
{
"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": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for logistics teams needing to track vessel movements in real-time, allowing for better ETA predictions and operational adjustments.
3. Nearby Vessels
The GET /vessels/nearby endpoint retrieves all vessels within a specified radius of a given latitude and longitude.
Example cURL 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 JSON response:
{
"data": {
"center": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"radius_nm": 30,
"total": 5,
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"ship_type": "Tanker",
"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 feature is particularly useful for port operators and fleet managers to monitor vessel traffic in specific areas, enhancing situational awareness.
Fleet Operations Endpoints
4. Batch Vessel Data
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to retrieve batch positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in a single request.
Example cURL 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 JSON response:
{
"data": {
"fleet": {
"total_vessels": 2,
"vessels_at_sea": 1,
"vessels_in_port": 1
},
"vessels": [
{
"imo": "9122556",
"mmsi": "309374000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38
},
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles"
}
}
]
}
}This endpoint is essential for fleet managers who need to monitor multiple vessels simultaneously, providing a comprehensive overview of fleet status.
5. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for ESG reporting and regulatory compliance.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/vessels/green?mmsi=258785000&period=30d"Example JSON response:
{
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 300,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 150,
"co2_per_nm": 0.5
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for companies focused on sustainability and compliance, allowing them to track and report emissions effectively.
Port Intelligence Endpoints
6. Port Congestion Data
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint provides real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for a specified port.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports/congestion?port_id=ARBUE&period=7d"Example JSON 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 vital for port operators and logistics teams to manage vessel arrivals and optimize berth allocation.
7. Full Port Catalog
The GET /ports endpoint provides a complete catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information.
Example cURL request:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://vessels-api.com/api/V1/ports"Example JSON response:
{
"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 developers and logistics teams to integrate port data into their applications seamlessly.
Conclusion
The Vessels API is a powerful tool for anyone involved in maritime logistics, offering a wealth of data and insights that can significantly enhance operational efficiency. Whether you are tracking tanker vessels, managing fleets, or ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, the Vessels API provides the necessary tools to succeed.
With its comprehensive coverage, user-friendly design, and robust features, the Vessels API is the go-to solution for maritime data. Try Vessels API for free today and unlock the potential of real-time maritime data for your applications.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your maritime operations. Get started with Vessels API and experience the difference that real-time data can make.
