LiveFreemium API

MarineTraffic

Live ship tracking: vessel positions, ports and voyages worldwide

Open marinetraffic.com Similar maps Compare with Flightradar24

Coverage: Worldwide
Updates: Live
Price: Free + paid plan
Sign-up: Optional
View: Flat map

What is MarineTraffic?

MarineTraffic shows ships on a live map using AIS signals picked up by coastal receivers and satellites. Click a vessel to see its name, type, flag, speed, destination and recent track.

The free map is enough to follow a ferry, a cruise ship or traffic through a busy strait. Paid plans add satellite positions in open ocean, longer history and commercial tools. MarineTraffic is part of Kpler.

What you can do

Search ships by name, IMO or MMSI
Port calls and expected arrivals
Filter by vessel type
Traffic density maps

The details

Coverage: Worldwide
Updates: Live / real time
Data source: AIS from terrestrial and satellite receivers
Made by: MarineTraffic (Kpler) (company)
Price: Free basic map; paid plans for satellite positions and history
Account: Free to view, account for extras
On phones: Phone app available
Map view: Flat map

Tips for using MarineTraffic

Positions near coasts are free; positions far out at sea often need paid satellite AIS.
Filter by vessel type (cargo, tanker, passenger) to make busy areas readable.

Who it is for

MarineTraffic is especially useful for plane & ship spotters, journalists and researchers & analysts.

Maps for plane and ship spotters Interactive maps for journalists Interactive maps for researchers and analysts

Questions about MarineTraffic

Is MarineTraffic free?

You can use the basic map for free. Free basic map; paid plans for satellite positions and history.

Do I need an account to use MarineTraffic?

No account is needed to view the map. Signing in unlocks extra features such as saving, alerts or more detail.

How often is MarineTraffic updated?

MarineTraffic shows data in real time or close to it, so what you see is happening now (most live maps have a delay of a few seconds to a few minutes).

Where does MarineTraffic get its data?

AIS from terrestrial and satellite receivers.

Can I use MarineTraffic on my phone?

Yes. There is a phone app (iPhone, Android), and the website also works in a browser.

What are some alternatives to MarineTraffic?

Similar maps include Flightradar24, ADS-B Exchange, FlightAware and Mini Tokyo 3D. See the full list of MarineTraffic alternatives on ColorfulMaps.

Summary based on public information about MarineTraffic. Features and prices change; the map's own website has the latest details.