The AIS transponder transmits GPS information, as well as a host of additional data, which is then received by AIS receiving stations. Since 2004, it has been compulsory for all passenger ships of any size, and all international voyaging ships with a gross tonnage of 300 or more, to be fitted with an AIS transponder, which is able to transmit and receive AIS data. Much of this information is submitted voluntarily by the community of members.ĪIS stands for ‘ automatic identification system‘ and refers to a tracking system that is used on ships and vessels. This information is then used to provide a more accurate and up-to-date live map of vessel locations.Īside from tracking vessel positions, MarineTraffic also provides background information on vessels, such as where they were built, when they were built, their IMO (International Maritime Organisation) number, how much they weigh and even photographs of them. From there, locations can be overlaid onto Google Maps and, as a result, users can use the service to track the movements of ships and other vessels in real-time.Īdditionally, some information surrounding ship locations is self-reported from those aboard. The MarineTraffic service makes use of AIS tracking technology to provide information about the identification, course, speed and current location of vessels. MarineTraffic makes use of AIS vessel tracking technology to record 800 million vessel locations each month, while its database also includes information on ships, such as when and where they were built. The MarineTraffic service is available to use for free, although a paid version also exists, adding more advance features. Little did he know, he was about to create one of the most important transport databases in the world.

Essentially, the service was set up by Lekkas because he had an existing interest in computers and ship spotting, and had become interested in the practical uses of AIS vessel tracking technology. It is widely recognised as the world’s most comprehensive maritime database and the service is able to boast more than six million unique monthly users, as well as more than one million registered account holders. MarineTraffic is a ship-tracking and maritime information service, which was founded by Dimitris Lekkas in 2007.

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