ArcNautical Vessel Check — Free Maritime Sanctions Screening API (No Key)

TL;DR

ArcNautical Vessel Check provides free maritime intelligence data — look up vessels by IMO number, name, or MMSI to get ownership details, sanctions screening results, transparency scoring, and vetting intelligence. Essential for maritime logistics, insurance underwriting, and compliance screening. Built for the shipping industry to perform rapid due diligence on vessels worldwide. No API key required.

Quick start: https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/vessel/IMO1234567

No API key needed — free maritime intelligence!

How to Use This API

1. Look Up a Vessel by IMO Number

Get full details for a vessel by its IMO number:

https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/vessel/IMO1234567

2. Search by Vessel Name

https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/search?name=Maersk

3. Get Ownership Transparency Score

https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/vessel/IMO1234567/ownership

4. JavaScript — Screen a Vessel

const imo = 'IMO1234567';
fetch(`https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/vessel/${imo}`)
  .then(r => r.json())
  .then(data => {
    console.log('Vessel:', data.name);
    console.log('Flag:', data.flag);
    console.log('Sanctions:', data.sanctions_status);
    console.log('Transparency:', data.transparency_score);
    console.log('Owner:', data.registered_owner);
  });

5. Python — Batch Vessel Check

import requests

imos = ['IMO1234567', 'IMO7654321', 'IMO9876543']
for imo in imos:
    r = requests.get(
        f'https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/vessel/{imo}'
    ).json()
    print(f"{r.get('name', 'N/A')}: {r.get('sanctions_status', 'unknown')}")
    print(f"  Flag: {r.get('flag')}, Built: {r.get('year_built')}")

Look up vessel: https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/vessel/IMO1234567

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IMO number and how do I find it?: The IMO number is a permanent 7-digit identifier assigned to every vessel. It's usually displayed on the hull and in shipping documents. IMO numbers start with "IMO" followed by 7 digits (e.g., IMO1234567).
What data does the sanctions screening include?: The API checks vessels against international sanctions lists including OFAC, UN, and EU sanctions. Returns the sanctions status (clean, flagged, or watchlisted) and any matching entries.
What is the ownership transparency score?: The transparency score (0-100) measures how visible and traceable a vessel's ownership structure is. Higher scores mean simpler, more transparent ownership. Lower scores suggest complex or opaque structures.
Does it include AIS tracking data?: The primary focus is on static vessel data, ownership, and sanctions screening. For real-time AIS tracking, you'd need a separate AIS data provider.
What vessel types are covered?: Cargo ships, tankers, container vessels, bulk carriers, passenger ships, fishing vessels, and other commercial maritime vessels. Coverage includes the global commercial fleet.
Is the data updated regularly?: Sanctions lists are updated frequently. Vessel registration data is updated as changes are reported to flag states and maritime registries.

API Details

API URL: https://vessel-check.arcnautical.com/api/
Documentation: github.com/SaltyTaro/vessel-check-api
Category: Transportation
Authentication: Not Required
Geographic Coverage: Global — all commercial vessels

What You Can Build

Maritime compliance dashboard for sanctions screening workflows
Shipping due diligence tool for freight forwarders and brokers
Insurance underwriting assistant with vessel risk scoring
Port authority vetting system for incoming vessel checks
Supply chain transparency tool tracking vessel ownership chains