MarineTraffic

What MarineTraffic actually is

AIS transponders broadcast the position, heading and identity of ships at sea, and MarineTraffic plots the lot on one map. Vessel pages carry photographs, dimensions, cargo type, destination port and an estimated arrival, while port pages list everything currently tied up alongside.

Why it is worth your time

The queue of ships anchored outside a congested port shows up as a visible cluster of dots, which makes a supply chain story into something you can look at.

Common questions

Is MarineTraffic free?

Yes. MarineTraffic is free and does not ask you to register or hand over an email address before you can use it.

How long does MarineTraffic take?

Good within five seconds of loading. We file it under "Instant" — live shipping, from container giants down to harbour tugs.

Does MarineTraffic work on a phone?

Yes. MarineTraffic works on a phone as well as it does on a laptop.

What kind of site is MarineTraffic?

We list it under The Live Planet — what earth is doing, right this second. The queue of ships anchored outside a congested port shows up as a visible cluster of dots, which makes a supply chain story into something you can look at.