VesselFinder AIS API Documentation

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.

Download openapi.yaml

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 112-
PortCalls Arrivals/Departures for a port or vessel 11-2
ExpectedArrivals Expected arrivals at a selected port 512-
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 extradata parameter.

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 YesYesYes-
LiveData All vessels in a predefined area YesYesYes-

API Response Datasets

DatasetContent
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)