> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/maritime-database.md). # Maritime Database Tool Description : Global maritime reference and vessel-tracking database providing vessel, port, and maritime-company information. | **Maritime Database** | **Quick Overview** | | --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | URL | | | What it does | Searches vessels, ports and maritime companies, and provides vessel specifications, identifiers, AIS-derived positions and port information. | | How to use it | Search by vessel, IMO/MMSI, port or company and review the available vessel or company record. | | Cost | Free for core vessel information. Paid for full functionality. | | Account required | No for general searching and browsing. | | Cookies | A mix of Google advertising and Google Analytics cookies. | | Ownership | A project of Marinet Ltd., Piraeus, Greece. | | Use in Reporting | Supports vessel identification, maritime research, vessel tracking, ownership/operator research and corroboration of maritime activity. | ### What does Maritime Database do? Maritime Database provides maritime information, vessel tracking and port data, with a database covering 50,000+ vessels, 2,000+ ports and 150+ countries. Current position and port-call history are received through AIS (Automatic Identification System) and it also contains a substantial shipping-company directory, including companies categorised as ship owners, managers and operators. **The lowdown:** It’s a global maritime OSINT and vessel-information resource combining vessel records, AIS-derived information, port data and maritime-company information. **Note:** Maritime Database itself warns that its AIS-derived and other vessel information is provided for informational purposes without assurance of accuracy or reliability. ### How to Use: **1. Start with the strongest available identifier, ideally the IMO number or MMSI, but a vessel name, callsign, port or company can also be used. E.g. we searched the ‘Aarhus’ port:** **2. Search the database and review the relevant vessel, port or company record. Record identifiers, vessel characteristics, flag, operator/management information and available AIS-derived location or voyage information.** **3. Cross-check significant findings against independent maritime sources. Record the page URL, vessel identifier, relevant data and date/time of access before incorporating the information into an investigative report.**
### Cost * [ ] Free * [x] Partially Free * [ ] Paid Free for core vessel information. Company-profile additions can involve paid subscriptions. ## Data Processing ### Account Required: * [ ] Yes * [x] No No for general searching and browsing. ### Cookies: The site uses a mix of Google advertising and Google Analytics cookies. No cookies from Maritime Database itself noted. ### Use in Reporting Maritime Database can be used to: * Identify vessels using names, IMO numbers, MMSIs or callsigns. * Investigate vessel specifications, flags, operators, management information and maritime affiliations. * Research vessel movements, reported destinations, current ports and AIS-derived positions. * Investigate relationships between vessels, shipping companies, ports and operators. * Corroborate findings from AIS platforms, vessel registries, company records and other maritime OSINT sources. * Document vessel identifiers, locations, voyage information, timestamps and source URLs as supporting evidence. * Support investigations involving shipping activity, maritime security, sanctions research, smuggling or other maritime-related activity. Maritime Database data was also used by the [American Alliance for Manufacturing](https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AAM-Comment-re-Proposed-Modification-Section-301-Shipbuilding-07-07-2025.pdf) in a 2025 analysis of proposed U.S. shipbuilding fees covering 60 vessels. The report explicitly identifies Maritime Database as the source of vessel data used in its calculation. | **Capabilities** | **Limitations** | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Provides a large international vessel database covering 50,000+ vessels. | The provider explicitly states that its data is supplied without assurance of accuracy or reliability. | | Provides IMO, MMSI, callsign, flag and vessel-specification information. | AIS coverage depends on vessels transmitting AIS and the availability/quality of received data. | | Provides AIS-derived position, course, destination and port information. | Company and management information may become outdated or require independent verification. | | Provides information on maritime companies, including owners/managers/operators. | Similar vessel names and changing vessel identifiers can create identification errors. | | Covers ports, countries, vessel types and maritime organisations. | . | | Useful for linking vessel identifiers with maritime activity and company information. |


| ### Summary Maritime Database is particularly useful for establishing the identity and background of a vessel and developing links between vessels, identifiers, ports and maritime organisations. It fits well in the identification, enrichment and verification stages of the OSINT workflow, however, important claims should be independently corroborated before being presented as established fact. ### Ownership [The platform states](https://maritime-database.com/about) it is a project of Marinet Ltd. based in Piraeus, Greece. ### Ethical Considerations * Do not assume that an AIS-derived position proves the vessel's exact physical location at a particular moment. * Corroborate important vessel movements using independent AIS or official maritime sources. * Distinguish between registered owner, beneficial owner, manager, operator and charterer; these are not necessarily the same entity. * Be cautious when combining vessel information with personal information about crew, owners or private individuals. * Consider sanctions, financial-crime and maritime-security implications when researching vessels or companies. * Avoid publishing sensitive real-time information where doing so could create unnecessary safety or security risks. ### Related Tools: * [Marine Traffic](/osint-tools/marinetraffic.md) * VesselFinder * FleetMon * [Global Fishing Watch](/osint-tools/global-fishing-watch.md) #### Sources