Overview
Powered by the VesselFinder AIS network, our API gives access to real-time vessel positions, voyage data, port call records, and in-depth ship particulars.
Our AIS API delivers one or more datasets (AIS, Voyage, Master, PortCall), depending on the requested method. Responses are provided in JSON format by default, with optional support for XML.
OpenAPI Specification
The whole API is described in an OpenAPI 3.1 file. Import it into Postman or Insomnia, or use it to generate a client library for your language.
Credit-based API Methods (Pay-per-use)
These services operate on a credit system: you purchase credits and use them on demand across any of the following methods:
| Method | Description | AIS | Voyage | Master | PortCall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vessels | Data for one or more vessels | 1 | 1 | 2 | - |
| PortCalls | Arrivals/Departures for a port or vessel | 1 | 1 | - | 2 |
| ExpectedArrivals | Expected arrivals at a selected port | 5 | 1 | 2 | - |
| MasterData | Vessel particulars for one or more vessels | - | - | 3 | - |
| Distance | Shortest sea route between points | 1 credit per successful response | |||
- Numbers are credits per returned record.
- Highlighted is the dataset each method returns by default.
- Other datasets are added with the
extradataparameter.
Subscription-based API Methods (Flat fee)
These services are available for a fixed subscription fee and deliver data on a regular basis:
| Method | Description | AIS | Voyage | Master | PortCall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VesselsList | Data for a predefined list of vessels | Yes | Yes | Yes | - |
| LiveData | All vessels in a predefined area | Yes | Yes | Yes | - |
API Response Datasets
| Dataset | Content |
|---|---|
| AIS | Real-time vessel data including position (coordinates), course over ground, speed over ground, heading, navigation status, current draught, destination, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and static vessel data |
| Voyage | Information on the vessel’s last port of call, including port name, country, and time of departure |
| Master | Comprehensive vessel specifications: IMO number, vessel name, flag state, ship type, year built, shipbuilder, registered owner, manager, classification society, principal dimensions (length, beam), maximum draught, gross tonnage (GT), net tonnage (NT), deadweight (DWT), TEU capacity and gas/crude oil capacity |
| PortCall | Details of port visit events, including port name, country, timestamp, and event type (arrival or departure) |