# VesselAPI MCP for AI Agents AI Agent Connect > VesselAPI lets your AI agent track maritime vessels, audit schedules, and grab real-time AIS positions. It turns complex shipping data into a natural conversation for your logistics research. ## Overview - **Category:** data-analytics - **Price:** Free - **Endpoint:** https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_LX9pzTJO4qpZeMybqTL4ZFERX72dosUhkrpND6q7/ai-agent-connect - **Tags:** maritime-tracking, ais-data, logistics-optimization, vessel-auditing, real-time-positioning, shipping-schedules ## Description VesselAPI provides a direct line to global shipping data. Instead of jumping between dozens of tabs and manual dashboards, you can just ask your agent about a ship's current location or its upcoming port calls. It pulls real-time AIS data and high-resolution vessel metadata so you can focus on the strategy rather than the data entry. Because it's part of the Vinkius catalog, it's easy to plug into your existing workflow and get consistent, accurate shipping data for your logistics planning. You can stop hunting for specific IMO numbers or guessing when a cargo boat hits a pier. Your agent acts as a real-time maritime consultant, giving you the ability to audit port calls and verify global trade flows in a single conversation. It handles the heavy lifting of querying maritime databases, so you can see the geographic distribution of vessels instantly. This means you spend less time on data scraping and more time making decisions on how to move goods across the globe. You get clear answers on vessel types, flags, and build dates without ever touching a maritime dashboard. It's about getting accurate, up-to-the-minute information on the movement of goods without the manual overhead. ## Tools ### search_vessels Search for vessels by name. This is the easiest way to start a search when you don't have an IMO number. ### check_api_status Check if the VesselAPI is operational. Use this to ensure your data feed is live before starting a big search. ### get_vessel_position Get the latest AIS position for a vessel. This helps you see exactly where your cargo is on the water right now. ### get_vessel_schedules Get upcoming port calls and schedules for a vessel. Use this to stay ahead of delivery timelines and port congestion. ### get_vessel_details Get full details for a vessel by IMO number. This is your go-to for deep-diving into specific vessel specs like flag and type. ### list_maritime_ports List global maritime ports supported by VesselAPI. Use this for geographic planning and identifying shipping hubs. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Where is the ship 'MSC OSCAR' right now? ``` **Response:** ``` I've identified 'MSC OSCAR' and retrieved its latest AIS position. It is currently in the **Suez Canal**, heading North. I can provide the exact latitude and longitude metadata if you'd like. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Show me the next port calls for IMO 9243394. ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the schedule for that vessel. Its next port of call is **Rotterdam**, expected on **2024-05-15**. I can provide the full list of planned stops and durations if you'd like. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Give me the details for vessel IMO 9411159. ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the details for IMO 9411159! It is a **Container Ship** named 'Emma Maersk', sailing under the flag of **Denmark**. Would you like the latest position or upcoming port schedules? ``` ## Capabilities ### Track real-time ship positions Get the current AIS location of a vessel to see where it is on the water. ### Audit port schedules Pull up upcoming port calls and planned stops for any ship. ### Retrieve vessel metadata Get full details like flag, type, and build data for a ship using its IMO number. ### Search ships by name Find specific vessels by their registered name when you don't have an ID. ### Discover global ports List maritime ports worldwide to help with geographic planning. ### Check API health Verify that your data feed is live and operational. ## Use Cases ### Spotting Supply Chain Bottlenecks A logistics lead asks the agent to find all vessels currently in the Suez Canal to see if there's a jam. ### Automated Port Auditing A trade researcher asks for the next three port calls for a specific container ship to update a weekly report. ### Rapid Vessel Identification An analyst enters a ship name and asks for its flag and type to verify a new trade partner. ### Geographic Route Planning A planner asks for a list of ports in Southeast Asia to map out a new shipping route. ## Benefits - Stop manual data entry. Use search_vessels to find ships instantly without digging through messy databases. - Get real-time updates. Use get_vessel_position to see exactly where your cargo is on the water. - Predict delays. Use get_vessel_schedules to see upcoming port calls before they happen. - Deep dive into specs. Use get_vessel_details to pull ship types, flags, and build data in seconds. - Map out global hubs. Use list_maritime_ports to find and analyze shipping ports worldwide. ## How It Works The bottom line is you get real-time maritime intelligence through a simple chat interface. 1. Subscribe to the Connector and add your VesselAPI Key to the config 2. Connect the Connector to your preferred AI client like Claude or Cursor 3. Ask your agent to find ships, check positions, or pull schedules ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can VesselAPI track ships in real-time?** Yes, it pulls real-time AIS data so you can see exactly where a vessel is currently floating on the water. **Does VesselAPI show port schedules?** Yes, you can ask your agent to pull up upcoming port calls and historical schedules for any ship. **Can I search for ships by name?** Yes, you can search for vessels by name if you don't have the specific IMO number handy. **Does VesselAPI work with Claude?** Yes, you can connect it to Claude or any other MCP-compatible client through the Vinkius catalog. **Can I get vessel metadata like flag and type?** Yes, the Connector can retrieve full details including the vessel's flag, ship type, and build metadata. **Is VesselAPI good for supply chain analysis?** It's a great tool for analysts who need to quickly verify trade flows and identify potential shipping bottlenecks. **How do I find my VesselAPI Key?** Log in to your [**VesselAPI dashboard**](https://vesselapi.com/account), and you will find your API Key under the settings page. Copy and paste it below. **Does it support real-time AIS data?** Yes. The `get_vessel_position` tool provides the latest AIS position received for the specified vessel IMO number. **Can the agent show port schedules?** Yes. Use the `get_vessel_schedules` tool to retrieve upcoming port calls and arrival/departure metadata for any vessel.