# VesselAPI MCP > VesselAPI tracks global maritime vessels and ports via AI agent. Check current positions, audit full vessel metadata by IMO number, or map out upcoming port schedules instantly. It lets you run complex supply chain research—like monitoring a ship's real-time location against its planned route—without ever opening a specialized shipping dashboard. ## Overview - **Category:** data-analytics - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** maritime-tracking, ais-data, logistics-optimization, vessel-auditing, real-time-positioning, shipping-schedules ## Description VesselAPI gives your agent the ability to manage global maritime intelligence. You stop manually clicking through multiple logistics dashboards and start asking natural language questions about shipping movements. Your agent can pull high-resolution data, instantly tracking vessels by IMO number or pulling real-time AIS positions across the globe. It also lets you check upcoming port calls and audit historical schedules to maintain a clear picture of global trade flow. This MCP works with your AI client from Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, or any compatible tool. If you're building multi-step automations—for instance, chaining this data with a financial tracking MCP to flag high-risk delays—the whole thing runs through Vinkius. The platform keeps all credentials secure using a zero-trust proxy and gives you full visibility into every call via Vinkius AI Analytics. ## Tools ### check_api_status Confirms if the VesselAPI service is up and running. ### get_vessel_position Retrieves the most current geographical coordinates (AIS position) for any ship. ### get_vessel_schedules Gets a detailed list of planned port calls and historical schedules for a vessel. ### get_vessel_details Pulls full metadata for a vessel using its IMO number, including flag and type. ### list_maritime_ports Provides a list of all global ports supported by the API, along with localized information. ### search_vessels Searches for ships based on name or other partial identifiers. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Get details for vessel with IMO 9411159 using VesselAPI. ``` **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? ``` **Prompt:** ``` Where is vessel 'MSC OSCAR' located 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 upcoming schedules 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. ``` ## Capabilities ### Check API Status Verify if the entire VesselAPI service is currently operational. ### Get Vessel Details Retrieve full metadata for a specific ship using its unique IMO number. ### Get Vessel Position Fetch the most recent, real-time Automatic Identification System (AIS) coordinates for any vessel. ### Get Vessel Schedules Audit a ship's planned port calls and historical movement timelines. ### List Maritime Ports Access a list of globally supported maritime ports and their associated metadata. ### Search Vessels Find vessels by searching through names or partial identifiers. ## Use Cases ### Investigating a potential delay The ops lead asks: 'Check IMO 9243394's schedule and its current position.' Your agent first uses `get_vessel_schedules` to see the next port, then runs `get_vessel_position` to verify if it’s off course or delayed, giving a clear answer in one interaction. ### Mapping out a new route A planner asks: 'What ports are near Singapore?' The agent uses `list_maritime_ports` to get local metadata, then uses that list to plan the optimal sequence of stops for their team. ### Auditing a new client's fleet A researcher asks: 'Give me details on all vessels named 'Maersk'.'. The agent runs `search_vessels` and then uses the IDs found to execute `get_vessel_details` for a complete audit report. ### Checking operational status A user needs quick confirmation: 'Is the API running? And where is vessel XYZ?' The agent first calls `check_api_status`, and if successful, immediately uses `get_vessel_position` to answer the core query. ## Benefits - You get immediate confirmation of API health using the `check_api_status` tool, so you never waste time on a downed service. - Instead of guessing which ship is where, you can instantly pull real-time coordinates by running `get_vessel_position`, giving you current location data right away. - You don't have to rely on separate databases for vessel history. Using `get_vessel_details` pulls complete metadata—flag, type, build date—all in one go. - Need to plan a route? Start by listing all available ports with `list_maritime_ports` and then audit specific schedules using the `get_vessel_schedules` tool. - If you only know the ship's name, not its IMO number, use `search_vessels` first. That gives you the ID needed to pull detailed positions or schedules later. ## How It Works The bottom line is: you ask a complex logistics question once, and your agent handles all the data retrieval from multiple sources automatically. 1. Subscribe to this MCP and provide your unique VesselAPI key. 2. Connect the service to your AI client (e.g., Claude, Cursor). 3. Ask your agent a natural language question about vessel movements or ports. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I get the current position using get_vessel_position?** You provide the vessel's IMO or name. The agent executes the tool and returns the latest latitude and longitude coordinates, showing where it is right now. **Can I find a ship if I only know its name? How does search_vessels work?** Yes. You use `search_vessels` with partial or full names. The tool returns a list of potential matches, giving you the specific ID needed for subsequent checks. **What if I need to check multiple ports? Do I use list_maritime_ports?** Yes, `list_maritime_ports` provides the global catalog. You can then ask your agent to cross-reference those listed ports against a specific vessel's planned route. **How do I combine schedules and details? Do I need multiple steps?** You tell the agent what you want: 'Give me everything on this ship.' It automatically chains calls, first getting `get_vessel_details` for metadata, then running `get_vessel_schedules` to build a full report. **I need to verify my access before running complex queries; how should I use the `check_api_status` tool?** Use `check_api_status` first. It confirms if the API endpoint is operational and your credentials are active, giving you confidence that subsequent calls will work. This saves time troubleshooting connectivity issues. **If I run many queries using `get_vessel_details`, how do I manage rate limits or optimize for high volume?** The system manages throttling, but you should structure your calls efficiently. Grouping related requests and checking the monitoring tools helps maintain a reliable data flow without hitting usage caps. **What specific metadata does `get_vessel_details` provide about a vessel that isn't just its name or position?** It returns high-resolution details, including the vessel's flag state, type of ship (e.g., container), and build specifications. This depth is key for supply chain analysis. **When I call `get_vessel_schedules` and get an error, how do I know if the issue is with my input or the vessel's data?** The response details pinpoint the failure reason. Check that your IMO number format is correct; sometimes a missing schedule simply means no planned calls exist yet. **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.