How to Use the VesselAPI MCP in Windsurf

Q: How does Windsurf use VesselAPI for basic status checks?

You run checkapistatus to confirm the data feed is live. This tells you if VesselAPI can provide any current information, making sure your entire workflow won't fail due to a temporary outage.

Q: How can I confirm if VesselAPI is ready before a scheduled job in Windsurf?

You run checkapistatus. If it passes, you know the entire MCP Server connection is stable, and your planned workflow using VesselAPI will execute cleanly.

Model Context Protocol for Windsurf: Plan complex maritime data flows without writing code.

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Connect VesselAPI MCP to Windsurf

Create your Vinkius account to connect VesselAPI to Windsurf 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 Windsurf

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Claude

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Automate Vessel Tracking and Scheduling

Windsurf's Cascade agent handles multi-step queries automatically. You just set the goal—for instance, 'What are all upcoming port calls for a specific vessel?' The agent then executes `get_vessel_schedules`, fetching structured data without you having to prompt each step. It even knows how to combine this with location data. After checking schedules, Cascade can immediately run `get_vessel_position` to give you the latest AIS coordinates alongside the planned route.

Audit Global Ports and Vessel Identity

Need a quick overview of where vessels operate? Use `list_maritime_ports` to get a list of all supported global ports. You can then narrow your focus by using `search_vessels`, which lets you find boats simply by name. If you need deeper details, the agent runs `get_vessel_details`. This fetches comprehensive information for any vessel when you provide its IMO number.

Check API Health and Verify Data Sources

Before running a big workflow, always check if the data source is up. The agent runs `check_api_status` to confirm that VesselAPI is operational right now. This prevents your autonomous plan from failing halfway through. This tool helps ensure reliability. You'll know immediately if there are any issues with the connection before Cascade attempts any other action.

Setup guide

Set up VesselAPI MCP in Windsurf

Prerequisites

Windsurf IDE installed (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP configuration

Click the Cascade assistant icon in the sidebar, then click the hammer icon (🔨) at the top of the panel. Select "Configure" to open ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json.
2

Add the VesselAPI MCP

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

Refresh MCPs

Go back to the hammer icon (🔨) in Cascade and click "Refresh". Windsurf will detect the new server. No full restart is needed — the connection is hot-reloaded.
4

Verify in Cascade

Start a new Cascade conversation and ask something like "Show my VesselAPI payment history." If connected, Cascade will call the VesselAPI tools directly. You will see a green dot next to the server name in the MCP panel.

mcp_config.json

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

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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 Windsurf

You run `check_api_status` to confirm the data feed is live. This tells you if VesselAPI can provide any current information, making sure your entire workflow won't fail due to a temporary outage.

Yeah. You tell it to find all vessels named 'Maersk'. It uses the `search_vessels` tool, returning a list of matches. This is great for bulk audits.

This MCP Server touches vessel identity information (IMO numbers and names). The agent only passes the necessary identifiers to fetch specific details via `get_vessel_details`, keeping your focus narrow.

Nah. Cascade manages it. You set the goal, and it automatically calls `get_vessel_schedules` to get all upcoming port data for you. It handles the sequence.

You run `check_api_status`. If it passes, you know the entire MCP Server connection is stable, and your planned workflow using VesselAPI will execute cleanly.

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