In the maritime industry, real-time data and analytics are crucial for effective fleet management, logistics planning, and compliance with environmental regulations. The Vessels API offers a comprehensive solution for developers, startups, and enterprise teams looking to access global maritime vessel tracking data powered by AIS (Automatic Identification System). With 17 REST endpoints, the Vessels API provides a robust platform for vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and IMO CII emissions scoring.
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, including vessel search, live tracking, fleet operations, port intelligence, and emissions scoring.
- One API key and a single base URL simplify the authentication process, eliminating the need for OAuth or per-endpoint authentication differences.
- Consistent JSON envelope on every response, ensuring a uniform structure:
{status, success, message, data}. - Global AIS coverage with near real-time refresh rates, providing timely and accurate data.
- A 7-day free trial on all plans, allowing users to explore the API's capabilities before committing.
Target users include developers, logistics startups, fleet managers, port operators, and ESG/compliance teams, making the Vessels API a versatile tool for various maritime applications.
Key Features of the Vessels API
Vessel Intelligence
The Vessels API provides several endpoints dedicated to vessel intelligence, enabling users to retrieve detailed information about vessels and their movements.
1. Vessel Search
The GET /vessels/search endpoint allows users to find any vessel by name, IMO, or MMSI. Optional filters such as ship type, flag, and dimensions can refine the search results.
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": "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 companies needing to track specific vessels or for compliance teams verifying vessel details.
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.
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": "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": "Under way",
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"destination": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-14T12:00:00Z"
},
"position_history": [...],
"route": {
"departure_port": "San Francisco",
"departure_time": "2023-10-12T08:00:00Z",
"destination_port": "Los Angeles",
"eta": "2023-10-14T12:00:00Z",
"distance_nm": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12
},
"last_port_visits": [...]
}
}This endpoint is essential 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.
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": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"ship_type": "Cargo",
"position": {
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timestamp_utc": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z"
},
"distance_nm": 10,
"speed_knots": 12,
"course_degrees": 90,
"navigational_status": "Under way"
}
]
}
}This feature is particularly useful for port operators and logistics teams to assess vessel traffic in specific areas, aiding in operational planning and congestion management.
4. Vessel Analytics
The GET /vessels/analytics endpoint provides aggregated voyage statistics for vessels, ports, or fleets, allowing users to analyze performance over specified periods.
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": "1234567",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "7d",
"statistics": {
"total_distance_nm": 300,
"avg_speed_knots": 12,
"max_speed_knots": 15,
"port_calls_count": 5,
"total_time_in_port_hours": 20,
"ports_visited": ["San Francisco", "Los Angeles"]
}
}
}This endpoint is invaluable for fleet managers and compliance teams looking to optimize operations and ensure adherence to performance metrics.
Fleet Operations
The Vessels API also offers endpoints specifically designed for fleet operations, enabling users to manage multiple vessels efficiently.
5. Fleet Management
The POST /vessels/fleet endpoint allows users to retrieve batch positions, routes, and statistics for multiple vessels in a single request.
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}' "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": "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, improving operational efficiency and decision-making.
Port Intelligence
The Vessels API provides valuable insights into port operations, helping users manage logistics and optimize port activities.
6. Port Congestion
The GET /ports/congestion endpoint offers real-time congestion snapshots and wait-time statistics for specific ports.
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": "Congestion data",
"data": {
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"port_name": "Port of Arbue",
"period": "7d",
"snapshot": {
"vessels_in_anchorage": 5,
"vessels_at_berth": 10
},
"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 crucial for port operators to manage vessel traffic effectively, reducing wait times and improving service levels.
7. Port Catalog
The GET /ports endpoint provides a full catalog of ports, including identifiers, coordinates, and country information.
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": {
"ports": [
{
"port_id": "ARBUE",
"name": "Port of Arbue",
"country": "Country A",
"latitude": -34.60,
"longitude": -58.38,
"timezone": "UTC-3"
}
],
"total": 248
}
}This endpoint is valuable for logistics teams needing to identify and manage port operations effectively.
8. Port Activity
The GET /port/activity endpoint provides recent arrivals and departures for specific ports, facilitating logistics event feeds.
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 Arbue",
"arrivals": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"arrival_time": "2023-10-13T10:36:00Z",
"from_port": "San Francisco"
}
],
"departures": [
{
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"departure_time": "2023-10-14T12:00:00Z",
"to_port": "Los Angeles"
}
]
}
}This endpoint is essential for logistics teams to track vessel movements and manage port operations efficiently.
Environmental Compliance
The Vessels API also addresses environmental concerns through its emissions scoring capabilities.
9. IMO CII Emissions Scoring
The GET /vessels/green endpoint provides IMO CII emissions scoring for vessels, aiding 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": "Emissions data",
"data": {
"imo": "1234567",
"mmsi": "258785000",
"name": "Atlantic Voyager",
"period": "30d",
"distance_nm": 300,
"estimated_emissions": {
"co2_tons": 50,
"co2_per_nm": 0.17
},
"cii": {
"score": "B",
"rating": "Good",
"year": 2023,
"regulation_reference": "IMO MEPC.339(76)"
}
}
}This endpoint is crucial for compliance teams to monitor and report on vessel emissions, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations.
Conclusion
The Vessels API is a powerful tool for anyone involved in the maritime industry, offering a comprehensive suite of endpoints that provide real-time data and analytics. From vessel tracking to port intelligence and emissions scoring, the API addresses critical business challenges and enhances operational efficiency.
Whether you are a developer building a logistics application, a fleet manager optimizing operations, or a compliance officer ensuring regulatory adherence, the Vessels API provides the data and insights you need to succeed. Try Vessels API for free today and unlock the potential of maritime data.
For more information on how to get started, visit Get started with Vessels API.
