Vessel Traffic MCP — Claude Code MCP server: setup
This read-only MCP server gives agents vessel, port-call, and shipping-schedule data. Use it to test maritime workflows with fixture data or connected providers.
claude mcp add --env VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT=<VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT> --env VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS=<VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS> --transport stdio vessel-traffic-mcp -- npx -y @tools-mcp/vessel-traffic-mcpWhat Vessel Traffic MCP does
Vessel Traffic MCP exposes one read-only interface for maritime data. An agent can identify a vessel by name, MMSI, IMO number, callsign, or bill-of-lading text, then request its position, past movement, nearby vessels, port calls, or container-shipping schedules. Results from live and public sources include the provider name and original landing URL.
The server includes generic search and fetch operations, vessel identity and movement tools, schedule tools, and provider-configuration tools. Its default fixture mode runs without network access, accounts, or API keys. Public providers are enabled with VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS; commercial services use the user’s own credentials. It is not a navigation product.
What it helps with
- resolve a vessel from an IMO or MMSI number
- retrieve a ship’s current position and track
- list vessels operating in an area
- search a carrier schedule between two ports
- test maritime agent flows with fixture data
Example prompts for the agent
- Find the current position of EVER GIVEN and return the provider and original source URL.
- Search the carrier schedule from KRPUS to NLRTM and include its source link.
- Identify the vessel from this IMO number and show its recent port calls.
How to install Vessel Traffic MCP
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT=<VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT> --env VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS=<VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS> --transport stdio vessel-traffic-mcp -- npx -y @tools-mcp/vessel-traffic-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add vessel-traffic-mcp --env VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT=<VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT> --env VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS=<VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS> -- npx -y @tools-mcp/vessel-traffic-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"vessel-traffic-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@tools-mcp/vessel-traffic-mcp"
],
"env": {
"VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT": "<VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT>",
"VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS": "<VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"vessel-traffic-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@tools-mcp/vessel-traffic-mcp"
],
"env": {
"VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT": "<VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT>",
"VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS": "<VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT=<VESSEL_MCP_TRANSPORT> -e VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS=<VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS> vessel-traffic-mcp npx -y @tools-mcp/vessel-traffic-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Vessel Traffic MCP
How do I install Vessel Traffic MCP in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add vessel-traffic-mcp -- npx -y @tools-mcp/vessel-traffic-mcp.
What does Vessel Traffic MCP do?
It gives an agent read-only tools for vessel lookup, positions, tracks, port calls, and shipping schedules. Live and public-provider results carry source information.
Do I need an API key to use it?
The fixture mode works without a key. Commercial providers use your own credentials, while public providers are enabled through VESSEL_MCP_ENABLE_PUBLIC_PROVIDERS.
