How to Use the VesselAPI MCP in VS Code Copilot

Q: How do I check if VesselAPI is configured for VS Code Copilot?

Check the .vscode/mcp.json file in your project root. This file dictates whether the checkapistatus tool—and all others—are available to every developer on the team.

Q: Can I get vessel data using VesselAPI with VS Code Copilot?

Yes. You can pull real-time AIS positions via getvesselposition and detailed records by IMO number through getvesseldetails. The results appear as usable context in your editor.

Q: How do I list ports for VesselAPI using VS Code Copilot?

You invoke the listmaritimeports tool in Agent mode. The results populate your workspace, giving you a verified reference of all supported global maritime locations.

Standardize maritime data access across your team with VS Code Copilot and MCP Server.

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 VS Code Copilot

Create your Vinkius account to connect VesselAPI to VS Code Copilot 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 VS Code Copilot

Ask AI about this MCP

ChatGPT

Claude

Perplexity

Team Vessel Search

Use `search_vessels` to find ships by name, allowing every developer on the team to use the same search logic. This consistency is managed via a shared `.vscode/mcp.json` file. Copilot Chat can call this tool and inject results into your current files, making it easy for new hires to access complex data without setup.

Get Full Ship Specs

The `get_vessel_details` MCP Server tool pulls full vessel specifications using an IMO number. Since this is configured at the repo level, every developer works with identical, up-to-date data definitions. It’s perfect for enterprise teams that rely on standardized access to maritime records.

Plan Routes

You can automate route planning by calling `get_vessel_schedules`. This tool provides upcoming port calls, allowing your team to build reliable logistical checks right into the project code. Pairing this with `list_maritime_ports` ensures that any scheduled stop you plan for is a valid location recognized globally.

Setup guide

Set up VesselAPI MCP in VS Code Copilot

Prerequisites

VS Code 1.99 or later with GitHub Copilot extension
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP configuration

Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P) and run "MCP: Add Server". Select HTTP (Streamable) as the server type. VS Code will create .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace.
2

Add the VesselAPI MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into your .vscode/mcp.json. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Switch to Agent mode

Open Copilot Chat (Cmd+Shift+I / Ctrl+Shift+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode — they do not appear in Edit or Ask modes.
4

Verify the connection

In the Copilot Chat input, type # to list available tools. You should see the VesselAPI tools listed. Try asking: "List my recent VesselAPI transactions" and Copilot will invoke them automatically.

.vscode/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 VS Code Copilot

You commit the MCP Server configuration to your repository. Then, in Copilot Chat Agent mode, you prompt it to call tools like `get_vessel_position`. The AI writes code using live API results.

Check the `.vscode/mcp.json` file in your project root. This file dictates whether the `check_api_status` tool—and all others—are available to every developer on the team.

Yes. You can pull real-time AIS positions via `get_vessel_position` and detailed records by IMO number through `get_vessel_details`. The results appear as usable context in your editor.

This server handles vessel tracking information, including AIS coordinates and port lists. Because the configuration is managed by IT via Git, all usage of this raw vessel data is auditable.

You invoke the `list_maritime_ports` tool in Agent mode. The results populate your workspace, giving you a verified reference of all supported global maritime locations.

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