Vessel Search API
Search Vessels by Name
Look up any vessel by name and instantly retrieve its IMO number, MMSI, flag state, vessel type, and call sign. The fastest way to resolve a vessel name to a standardised identifier.
1 Credit
Per request
Paginated
Handles shared vessel names
50/min
Rate limit
Resolve any vessel name in one call
Pass a vessel name in the query string and get back a paginated list of matching vessels with all the identifiers you need. Use the IMO or MMSI to chain into any other Data Docked endpoint.
- Exact and partial name search — Match against our 830,000+ vessel database
- Full identifier set — IMO, MMSI, call sign, flag, and type
- Handles shared names — Pagination when multiple vessels match
- Chain into other endpoints — Use IMO/MMSI with location, particulars, and more
Vessel Search Result
DL ACACIA
IMO9659763
MMSI354161000
CountryPanama (PA)
shipTypeCargo vessels
typeSpecificBulk carrier
callsign3FAP9
1 credit • 50 requests/min
Quick Start
URL-encode spaces as underscores in the name parameter
GET/api/vessels_operations/vessels-by-vessel-name?name=DL_ACACIA&page=1
Response200 OK
{
"total": 1,
"items": [
{
"name": "DL ACACIA",
"mmsi": "354161000",
"imo": "9659763",
"country": "Panama",
"countryIso": "PA",
"shipType": "Cargo vessels",
"typeSpecific": "Bulk carrier",
"callsign": "3FAP9"
}
],
"limit": 20,
"page": 1
}Cost: 1 credit • Rate limit: 50/min
Who Uses This API?
Fleet Operators
Search by vessel name to retrieve IMO and MMSI numbers for downstream queries like location, particulars, or port call history.
Ship Brokers
Quickly identify vessels by name during chartering negotiations. Get flag state and vessel type to verify identity before proceeding.
Compliance Officers
Look up vessels by name as part of due diligence workflows. Retrieve IMO numbers to cross-reference against sanctions or inspection records.
Port Authorities
Confirm vessel identity before arrival using name-based search. Retrieve standardised identifiers for integration with port management systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the search require an exact name match?
The name parameter performs a match against the vessel name in our database. For best results use the full vessel name. Spaces in vessel names must be URL-encoded as underscores — for example "DL ACACIA" becomes "DL_ACACIA" in the query string.
What happens when multiple vessels share the same name?
The response includes a total count of matching vessels and a paginated items list. Use the page parameter (default: 1) to page through results when total is greater than the items returned. Each page holds up to 20 vessels.
What fields does the response include?
Each result returns: name, mmsi, imo, country, countryIso, shipType, typeSpecific, and callsign. This is a summary shape — management and ownership data are not included; use the Vessel Management endpoint for those. The IMO or MMSI can be passed directly into any other Data Docked endpoint.
How much does this endpoint cost?
Each request costs 1 credit and has a rate limit of 50 requests per minute. The endpoint is available on all plans including Pay-As-You-Go.
Can I use this to resolve a vessel name to an IMO number?
Yes — that is the primary use case. Search by name, pick the correct result from the list (using type, flag, and call sign to disambiguate), then use the IMO or MMSI with any other endpoint.
Related Endpoints
Chain vessel name lookup with these endpoints