After S&P Global’s acquisition of ORBCOMM’s maritime AIS division, this platform processes approximately 30 million AIS messages from roughly 250,000 vessels daily via satellite constellation. Integrated with S&P Global’s commodity and market intelligence — making it the preferred ship data API for commodity traders and financial analysts.

Now operating under Kpler’s GWS (Geospatial Web Services) umbrella, exactEarth delivers satellite AIS in OGC-compliant formats: GeoJSON, Shapefile, GML, KML, and PNG via WFS/WMS. Ideal for GIS teams and defense contractors who need standards-compliant vessel position data. Migration from legacy exactEarth APIs to Kpler’s Maritime 2.0 GraphQL API is underway.

Lloyd’s List Intelligence combines AIS position data with its editorial and market intelligence layer to deliver contextualised vessel movement data. Trusted by insurers, P&I clubs, and port authorities. AIS SeaOrbis goes beyond raw positions to deliver supply chain intelligence and risk analytics.

IHS Markit (now S&P Global) is the industry standard for vessel registry, ownership, and classification data. Their maritime API aggregates ship data from multiple sources including AIS, port authority records, classification societies, and proprietary databases. Used by compliance teams, customs authorities, and commodity traders globally.

FleetMon’s Explorer and API services were designed for shipping companies and port authorities managing large vessel fleets. Now absorbed into the Kpler ecosystem, FleetMon continues to serve existing customers while migrating to Kpler’s unified platform. Strong in European port coverage and fleet analytics.

Windward combines five AIS data sources — two coastal networks, two satellite constellations, and vessel-based AIS — for resilient maritime intelligence. The API layer focuses on sanctions compliance, dark vessel detection, AIS manipulation alerts, and supply chain risk. Integrated with Planet Labs satellite imagery for deeper situational awareness.

Pole Star Global specialises in vessel tracking for compliance monitoring — OFAC, EU, and UN sanctions screening baked in. Their PurpleTRAC product is used by oil majors, trading houses, and P&I clubs to vet vessels before cargo placement. API delivers position, compliance status, and ownership chain data.

Portcast’s vessel tracking API combines AIS signals with carrier-reported schedules and risk data to predict ETAs and ETDs up to 6–8 weeks ahead. Particularly strong for container shipping visibility — all major container carriers and RoRo vessels are supported. Replaces multiple scrapers and connectors with a single integration.

Searoutes combines vessel tracking with intelligent route optimization — their algorithms account for canal speeds, straits, and vessel-specific routes. AIS data is both terrestrial and satellite (via LuxSpace partnership). System updates every 5 minutes with 99.9% uptime. Historical data goes back over 5 years with gap-filling and noise reduction applied.

SeaVantage delivers an enterprise-grade vessel tracking API covering satellite, terrestrial, and dynamic AIS. Supports container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, and all Class A vessels. Particularly strong for logistics platforms integrating real-time ETAs and port congestion data. Transparent JSON responses with clear voyage data including actual departure/arrival times and sea transit hours.

MyShipTracking API delivers real-time terrestrial AIS with consistent JSON/XML response envelopes across all endpoints. Covers vessel positions, historical tracks, port details, fleet creation, and account management. The API is exclusively terrestrial — coverage gaps may occur in open ocean. Trial period available to verify coverage for your specific use case before committing.

AISstream.io is the developer community’s favourite free AIS API. A WebSocket-based streaming service that delivers live AIS messages as they are received. Subscribe to bounding boxes of any size (global or regional) and filter by MMSI or message type. Includes search and rescue aircraft data alongside vessel tracking. Excellent JavaScript/Node.js examples available.

The VesselFinder API is a well-established vessel finder API powered by thousands of terrestrial AIS stations worldwide. Credit-based pricing means you only pay for data delivered. Key datasets: AIS positions, voyage data (port of departure/arrival), and master data (vessel type, flag, owner, capacity, dimensions). Supports XML and JSON.

The Sinay vessel API is differentiated by its integration of environmental data alongside vessel tracking — including emissions monitoring, weather routing, and port environmental impact scoring. Built for ship operators and energy companies focused on decarbonisation and IMO compliance. The Sinay API covers vessel positions, ETA predictions, and carbon footprint calculations per voyage segment, making it the top choice for ESG-focused maritime applications.

VesselAPI provides a clean RESTful JSON API for vessel positions, ETA data, NAVTEX messages, and port events. NAVTEX integration is a differentiator — useful for maritime research and safety monitoring. Designed for marine traffic analytics, trade analytics, and fleet monitoring use cases.

NavAPI delivers real-time and historical AIS ship tracks with a find-by-destination endpoint and area-search capability. Clean developer experience with straightforward AIS API key provisioning. Well-suited for building regional maritime traffic monitors or logistics dashboards that need ship track data without enterprise contracts.

JSONCargo uniquely combines vessel tracking with container-level tracking in a single API — covering vessel positions, ETAs/ETDs, and container statuses. This makes it highly practical for freight forwarders and shippers who need both vessel and cargo visibility without maintaining two separate integrations.

DataDocked tracks over 800,000 vessels globally via satellite AIS data. Offers a clean REST API with 99.9% uptime and a free trial. Built for logistics teams and developers who need ready-to-use maritime applications powered by AIS. Clear JSON responses with speed, course, heading, navigational status, and ETA fields.

Real-time terrestrial AIS coverage via a large volunteer receiver network. Known for broad geographic coverage especially in Asia-Pacific. REST API with vessel position, name, type, and basic voyage data.

Community AIS data exchange. Share your AIS receiver data and receive aggregated global feed access via JSON, XML, or CSV. The original free AIS API model and still one of the best for budget-conscious projects.

Freight marketplace and logistics tools platform with vessel tracking embedded. Includes an affiliate program — unique in this space. API covers freight rates, routing, and vessel ETAs for container shipping lanes.

The unified Kpler Maritime 2.0 GraphQL API replacing legacy Spire Maritime REST endpoints. Access vessel positions, voyage data, and commodity flow analytics through a single modern API surface. Requires Kpler enterprise account.

French satellite tracking specialist using the Argos system — particularly strong in fishing vessel monitoring and regulatory compliance. Used by fisheries agencies and coast guards globally. API provides position data for vessels not equipped with standard AIS transponders.

Vessel Traffic Service system with an API layer used by port authorities and maritime administrations. Focuses on harbour and coastal traffic management rather than global open-ocean tracking. Strong in Scandinavia and European VTS deployments.

Inmarsat C and VSAT location data integrated directly into MarineTraffic for ship owning and operating customers. Provides high-reliability position data for vessels in remote areas where AIS coverage is thin — particularly useful for vessels in the Arctic, Southern Ocean, or off established shipping lanes.

Container and vessel visibility platform originally backed by shipping carriers. API covers vessel schedules, port calls, and container milestones from direct carrier EDI connections — not purely AIS-based. Strong for container shipping lanes on Asia-US and Asia-Europe trades.

Multimodal supply chain visibility platform with ocean freight tracking as one module. Project44 combines AIS data with direct carrier connections for container shipment tracking. Ideal for shippers who want a single API for road, rail, air, and ocean visibility — not a standalone vessel tracking API.

Descartes Systems Group offers ocean container and vessel tracking as part of its broader global logistics network. Strong integration with customs, trade compliance, and route optimisation modules. Used by large importers, 3PLs, and NVOCCs managing high shipment volumes.

Real-time ocean freight tracking API with predictive ETA intelligence. FourKites Ocean combines AIS with carrier EDI data. Best for shippers and 3PLs using FourKites for domestic trucking who want to extend visibility to ocean freight without changing platforms.

Container and vessel tracking API with broad carrier support. Shipsgo covers container milestones, vessel positions, and ETA predictions. Affordable entry pricing and straightforward API key provisioning make it a solid choice for SME freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Port call optimization API backed by Shell. PortXchange focuses on reducing port turnaround time by coordinating vessel arrival data with port stakeholders in real time. Strong adoption in ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) and Singapore. Not a general AIS API — specialist in port operational efficiency.

Port terminal management system (TOS) with vessel call APIs used by major container terminals globally. If you’re integrating with terminal operations, Navis N4 provides structured vessel call data including berth assignments, crane productivity, and gate operations — complementing AIS position data.

AIS transponder manufacturer with a proprietary data network API. SRT operates one of the world’s largest terrestrial AIS networks built from their own hardware deployments. The API is primarily for governments, coast guards, and port authorities purchasing SRT surveillance systems.

IoT-first vessel tracking platform combining AIS data with onboard sensor telemetry. Covers fuel consumption, engine parameters, and voyage KPIs alongside position data — useful for fleet operators managing vessel performance and emissions optimisation.

Enterprise ERP and fleet management platform with integrated vessel tracking API. Used by tanker and bulk carrier operators for voyage accounting, maintenance management, and performance reporting. Vessel position data feeds directly into commercial management workflows.

Maritime ERP platform with vessel tracking data integrated into fleet and voyage management. ShipNet covers technical, operational, and commercial ship management workflows. Vessel position data is used for voyage performance analysis and port disbursement estimation.

Freight visibility and procurement platform with vessel ETA tracking as a core feature. GoComet aggregates shipping line schedules and AIS data to provide end-to-end container shipment visibility. Targeted at import/export teams at manufacturing companies.

Lightweight REST API for vessel position lookups by MMSI or IMO. Minimal setup — get a basic AIS API key and start querying vessel positions immediately. Limited feature set but very low barrier to entry for prototype applications.

European-focused terrestrial AIS API with strong coverage in North Sea, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Channel approaches. Good free tier for coastal monitoring in European waters. REST API with vessel position, port calls, and voyage history.

Basic REST API for vessel lookups by MMSI or IMO. Returns current position, speed, course, and last-known destination. Minimal documentation but very fast to integrate for simple vessel status checks. Good starting point for hobby or academic projects.

Supply chain visibility platform with ocean vessel tracking integrated alongside air, road, and rail shipment data. Haven targets large enterprise shippers who want a unified visibility layer rather than direct AIS API access. Best suited to procurement and logistics operations teams.

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system alongside AIS, offering regulatory-grade vessel monitoring required under SOLAS. Used by flag states and port state control authorities for vessel monitoring within 1,000nm of their coasts. Not a general-purpose developer API.

Freight rate transparency platform with vessel schedule and ETA data as supplementary features. The Freightos API is best known for ocean freight rate benchmarking. Vessel tracking is included to provide context around schedule reliability and carrier performance scoring.

Maersk’s internal ocean intelligence platform with limited external API access. Provides deep visibility into Maersk-operated vessels and liner schedules. External integrations are primarily for Maersk customers via EDI/API connections — not a general-purpose maritime API for third-party vessels.

Open-source community-contributed AIS data. Coverage is patchy and not suitable for production vessel tracking applications. Best for mapping projects, education, and research where data completeness is not critical. No SLA or support — use with caution.

Long Range Identification and Tracking system provider for SOLAS-regulated vessels. Satlink operates a LRIT Data Centre recognised by multiple flag states. The API is regulatory in nature — used by maritime administrations for vessel monitoring, not by developers building commercial tracking applications.

Norwegian maritime analytics platform combining AIS vessel tracking with commodity flow analysis, port analytics, and market intelligence. Used by shipbrokers, chartering desks, and commodity traders. API provides vessel position, voyage event data, and cargo flow signals for dry bulk and tanker markets.

US Government-backed maritime domain awareness platform. SeaVision provides AIS data and vessel tracking for partner nations and authorized users. Not commercially available but worth knowing as a reference data source for government-facing maritime applications. Open access for qualified government and research institutions.