VesselFinder review
A vessel-tracking service for AIS positions, port activity, fleet monitoring and route planning.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
VesselFinder provides web-based maritime information and vessel tracking from Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. It suits individuals who want to follow ship positions, port activity and voyages, with apps for iOS and Android and API access as separate options. Vessel records include particulars, technical details and ownership information; search filters cover gross tonnage, deadweight, flag and type. It is focused on vessel tracking rather than end-to-end logistics, so businesses looking for a broader logistics system should consider a different fit.
The consumer plans provide graduated coverage and history. Free offers terrestrial AIS coverage, one day of past track history and free web access. Basic adds seven days of past track history, five vessel port calls and capacity for 500 ships in a fleet. Premium provides 30 days of port arrivals and expected vessels, with fleet capacity of 2,000 ships. Satellite adds satellite as well as terrestrial AIS coverage, 90 days of past track history and the same 2,000-ship capacity. According to the vendor's pricing information, subscriptions are priced in USD, exclude VAT and do not renew automatically. These tiers are suited to users whose needs center on coverage, history and fleet size.
VesselFinder also supports port arrival and departure information, expected vessel arrivals and estimated arrival times, plus maritime route planning. Fleet Explorer helps organize vessels and monitor voyages. Separate API services offer AIS positions, voyage details and vessel particulars in JSON or XML, but API access and historical data are separate commercial services rather than part of consumer subscriptions. Ticket support is offered. Choose VesselFinder for maritime visibility and ship-level information, especially if mobile access or API data matters; it is less appropriate when the requirement is an end-to-end logistics platform or when API services must be included in an individual subscription.
VesselFinder pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Live vessel positions use terrestrial and satellite AIS data.
- Fleet Explorer organizes vessels and monitors voyages.
- API access returns AIS and vessel data in JSON or XML.
- Where it doesn't
- The Free plan includes only 1 day of past track history.
- Basic and Premium plans use terrestrial AIS coverage only.
- Consumer subscriptions do not include API access or historical data services.
VesselFinder fact sheet, pricing and score →
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