Vessel Finder APIs: Which One Is The Most Accurate?

If you are interested in finding out our pick for the best option in the market when it comes to accuracy, we invite you to keep reading.

The global shipping industry is the backbone of international trade, responsible for the transportation of goods worth trillions of dollars across the world’s seas every year. As the industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, technology has become a game-changer. One such technological innovation that has forever changed the shipping industry is the advent of vessel finder APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). These cutting-edge tools have opened up a world of possibilities, providing unprecedented benefits to various stakeholders in the shipping ecosystem. From optimizing logistics to enhancing customer experience, vessel finder APIs are changing the game for the shipping industry.

When it comes to accuracy and ease of use and integration, none come closer to Zyla’s Vessel Tracking Information API, which you should definitely keep in mind if you intend to improve a maritime business. We’ll run through a few applications for this kind of tool below.

For freight forwarders, a vessel finder API offers a game-changing advantage. With access to real-time data on ship locations, freight forwarders can provide more accurate and reliable shipment tracking information to their customers. This transparency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces inquiries and disputes related to shipment delays or lost shipments. It also allows freight forwarders to proactively manage potential disruptions in the supply chain, such as adverse weather conditions or port congestion, by rerouting shipments or making alternate arrangements, thereby minimizing delays and mitigating risks.

In addition to operational benefits, the use of APIs also offers strategic advantages for businesses in the shipping industry. By analyzing historical data on ship movements and patterns, shipping companies can gain insights into market trends, trade flows, and competitor activities. This valuable information can inform strategic decision-making, such as identifying new trade routes, optimizing shipping networks, and exploring business opportunities in emerging markets. Vessel Tracking Information API can also enable shipping companies to track and monitor their competitors’ activities, such as vessel movements, cargo volumes, and market share, providing valuable intelligence for competitive analysis and market positioning.

A vessel finder API can also be a game-changer in risk management and insurance for the shipping industry. By providing accurate real-time data on ship locations and movements, shipping companies can mitigate risks associated with cargo theft, piracy, and other security threats. This enables shipping companies to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of the crew and the cargo of their ships at sea.

How Does This API Work?

Zyla’s Vessel Traffic Information API is very easy to integrate into either an app or a website, and it’s flexible in its function. It requires input parameters like a ship’s number, or any particular set of coordinates, (latitude and longitude) in which case you will get a list of all the vessels that are located in that area. After a quick search, you’ll receive information like the destination port, departure port, and general information about the ship, like its max draught, its longitude, the year it was launched, and more. 

In total, you can explore three different endpoints:

For instance, the API result if you select “GET VESSEL DATA BY IMO CODE” will be:

{
  "status": 200,
  "success": true,
  "message": "IMO Code 9270622 is valid",
  "data": {
    "imo_number": "9270622",
    "vessel_name": "AQUAMAN",
    "ship_type": "Offshore Tug/Supply Ship",
    "flag": "Vanuatu",
    "gross_tonnage": "2332",
    "summer_deadweight_t": "2162",
    "length_overall_m": "69",
    "beam_m": "16",
    "year_of_built": "2003"
  }
}

You can test this powerful tool for free with the following steps:

1- Go to Vessel Traffic Information API and simply click on the button “Try Free For 7-Days” to start using the API.
2- Employ the different API endpoints depending on what you are looking for.
3- Once you meet your needed endpoint, make the API call by pressing the button “run” and see the results on your screen.