How to Use the VesselAPI MCP in LlamaIndex

Q: Does VesselAPI help track port changes for LlamaIndex?

Use the listmaritimeports tool to get a current list. Indexing this data allows you to build reports that show how supported ports have changed over time, making compliance checks easier.

Q: What happens if I query historical vessel positions with VesselAPI and LlamaIndex?

If the previous session saved getvesselposition data, LlamaIndex retrieves it from the index. You get an answer grounded in that specific historical record, not just what the API reports right now.

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Connect VesselAPI MCP to LlamaIndex

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

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Setup VesselAPI with LlamaIndex

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LlamaIndex and MCP Server: Full Data Indexing

The unique power here is that the output from any tool call becomes searchable context. Run `get_vessel_details` for a specific vessel, and LlamaIndex indexes all those specs into your vector store. You can then query past sessions to ask 'What were the details of Vessel X last month?' and get an answer grounded in actual API data. This means you're not just getting a live call; you're building a historical knowledge base from live maritime data.

Searching Port Data for LlamaIndex

Need to know which ports are supported? Call `list_maritime_ports` and let LlamaIndex index that full list. When you later ask a question like, 'Which ports near Miami do we support?', the system searches the indexed port data alongside your documents. This moves beyond simple API calls; it lets you combine operational knowledge (the docs) with factual API lists (the ports).

Vessel Search Indexing for LlamaIndex

You can index the results of `search_vessels` based on names or partial details. This means if you're reviewing old incident reports, and they mention 'The Sea Serpent,' your agent searches the indexed vessel data to confirm its existence and basic specs. It turns a single lookup into part of a larger, searchable archive.

Setup guide

Set up VesselAPI MCP in LlamaIndex

Prerequisites

Python 3.10+ installed
llama-index-tools-mcp package
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Install dependencies
Run pip install llama-index-tools-mcp llama-index-llms-openai. The MCP tools package provides BasicMCPClient and McpToolSpec.
2

Connect with BasicMCPClient
Point BasicMCPClient to your Vinkius endpoint URL. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. Supports SSE and Streamable HTTP transports.
3

Convert to LlamaIndex tools
Call mcp_tool_spec.to_tool_list_async() to convert all VesselAPI MCP tools into native FunctionTool objects that any LlamaIndex agent can use.
4

Run with any LLM
Create a FunctionAgent with the tools and your preferred LLM. Swap OpenAI for Anthropic, Gemini, or any LlamaIndex-supported provider.

agent.py

from llama_index.tools.mcp import BasicMCPClient, McpToolSpec
from llama_index.core.agent.workflow import FunctionAgent
from llama_index.llms.openai import OpenAI

# Connect to the MCP
mcp_client = BasicMCPClient(
    "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
)
mcp_tool_spec = McpToolSpec(client=mcp_client)

# Convert MCP tools to LlamaIndex tools
tools = await mcp_tool_spec.to_tool_list_async()

# Create and run the agent
agent = FunctionAgent(
    tools=tools,
    llm=OpenAI(model="gpt-4o"),
    system_prompt="You have access to VesselAPI tools.",
)
response = await agent.run("List recent VesselAPI data")

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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.

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Common questions about VesselAPI MCP in LlamaIndex

VesselAPI provides the raw facts—positions, schedules, and specs. LlamaIndex takes those facts and turns them into a searchable knowledge base. Your agent can answer questions based on data from `get_vessel_position` that was captured days ago.

Yes. You query the system, and it might pull historical schedules using `get_vessel_schedules`, combine that with a current name search from `search_vessels`, and deliver both pieces of information in one indexed answer.

Use the `list_maritime_ports` tool to get a current list. Indexing this data allows you to build reports that show how supported ports have changed over time, making compliance checks easier.

If the previous session saved `get_vessel_position` data, LlamaIndex retrieves it from the index. You get an answer grounded in that specific historical record, not just what the API reports right now.

The server handles vessel identification and location data, including IMO numbers and current AIS coordinates. This type of metadata is indexed for retrieval purposes.

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