How to Use the VesselAPI MCP in Claude

Q: How do I check if VesselAPI is working with Claude Desktop?

Just invoke the checkapistatus tool. Your agent will immediately tell you if the MCP Server is operational. This saves time debugging connectivity issues.

Q: Can I get vessel data using VesselAPI in Claude Desktop?

Yes, absolutely. You can run tools like getvesseldetails and searchvessels to pull specific maritime information right into the chat window. The live results appear instantly.

Q: Does VesselAPI support multiple ports for Claude Desktop?

The listmaritimeports tool lists every global port supported by the MCP Server. This helps you determine which geographic areas are available before attempting to fetch schedules or positions.

Q: How do I find all ports for VesselAPI using Claude Desktop?

Use listmaritimeports to get a comprehensive list of every global port supported. This tool works independently and helps you plan your queries before you search for specific vessel schedules.

Check maritime status and vessel positions directly inside Claude Desktop.

See Vinkius in Action

Works with every AI agent you already use

…and any MCP-compatible client

MCP Servers - Free for Subscribers

Connect VesselAPI MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect VesselAPI to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

GDPR Free for Subscribers

Setup VesselAPI with Claude Desktop

Ask AI about this MCP

ChatGPT

Claude

Perplexity

Check Vessel Status

The `check_api_status` tool confirms if the MCP Server is running. This lets you quickly verify that your connection to the VesselAPI is active before writing complex logic. You can rely on this check when building local or remote applications, ensuring that data retrieval isn't blocked by a downed service.

Find Ship Locations

Use `get_vessel_position` to fetch the latest AIS position for any vessel. This gives you real-time coordinates and status updates without needing a dedicated terminal script. When combined with `search_vessels`, your AI agent can pinpoint exactly where ships are right now, helping PMs track assets across different global regions.

Audit Schedules

The `get_vessel_schedules` tool pulls upcoming port calls and itineraries. You get a clear picture of when a vessel hits its next major stop, which is critical for logistics planning. For deeper dives, `get_vessel_details` retrieves all the core info about a ship using just an IMO number. This combination lets you audit schedules against known vessel specifications.

Setup guide

Set up VesselAPI MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The VesselAPI MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the VesselAPI MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under vesselapi-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "vesselapi-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by VesselAPI. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

Why Choose Vinkius

Vinkius connects your tools to AI with real-time monitoring and automatic cost savings — all from one dashboard.

Connect VesselAPI now

Real-time monitoring

Live

visibility into every interaction

Connect your favorite tools to your AI and see exactly what's happening — every request, every response, in real time.

Built-in savings

60%

lower AI costs

Vinkius compresses data between your apps and your AI automatically. Lower bills every month — no configuration required.

Single dashboard

One

place for every integration

Every tool your AI connects to, managed from a single screen. One account, complete control.

Common questions about VesselAPI MCP in Claude Desktop

Just invoke the `check_api_status` tool. Your agent will immediately tell you if the MCP Server is operational. This saves time debugging connectivity issues.

Yes, absolutely. You can run tools like `get_vessel_details` and `search_vessels` to pull specific maritime information right into the chat window. The live results appear instantly.

The `list_maritime_ports` tool lists every global port supported by the MCP Server. This helps you determine which geographic areas are available before attempting to fetch schedules or positions.

This server primarily touches vessel tracking data, specifically AIS positions and general IMO details. Your AI client handles the connection, so you control how that raw vessel data is processed.

Use `list_maritime_ports` to get a comprehensive list of every global port supported. This tool works independently and helps you plan your queries before you search for specific vessel schedules.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

Connect this server to Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and more.

OpenAI Agents SDK sdk-python

Google ADK sdk-python

Pydantic AI sdk-python

Vercel AI SDK sdk-typescript