ShipFinder combines global terrestrial and satellite AIS data to help you track vessel movement worldwide. With over 20 years of maritime experience, it tracks 200,000+ active vessels and serves 60,000+ users worldwide. This guide explains how to track vessel movements, review voyage history and monitor fleets with ShipFinder.
How to Use ShipFinder to Track a Vessel
Find a Vessel and Check Its Latest Position
Enter the vessel's name, IMO number or Maritime MMSI in the search bar and select the matching result. Then View its latest reported position, report time, speed, course, destination and ETA.
Review Historical Tracks and Port Calls
Review a vessel's past movements to see where it has sailed and which ports it has visited. Select the period you want to explore; the available history depends on your plan.
- Historical Tracks: View the vessel's recorded route.
- Port Calls: Check the ports visited, along with arrival and departure times.
Playback: Replay the vessel's movements.
- Forecast
View the vessel's predicted route and estimated time of arrival (ETA) to see where it is likely to head next and when it may arrive.
Monitor Vessel Activity with Alerts and Fleet Management
For regular monitoring, add the vessels you follow to a fleet. Fleet management keeps your watchlist organized, so you can revisit ships and review their movements in one place without repeating individual searches.
Set up email alerts for arrivals, departures, area entry or exit, and speed changes. Select the events you want to follow and enter your notification email address. You can then receive updates in your inbox without keeping the map open.
Follow Your Vessels Beyond Coastal Coverage
ShipFinder provides terrestrial and satellite AIS tracking. When a ship sails beyond the range of coastal receivers, satellite AIS helps you follow its position at sea.
Start with free satellite AIS tracking for one vessel. For more ships, Standard supports up to five, while Professional offers unlimited satellite tracking.
Get started with the free satellite AIS tracking:
Find your vessel: Search by name, IMO number or MMSI and select the correct ship.
Enable satellite tracking: Add the vessel to your satellite tracking list.
Follow its voyage: View its latest available satellite AIS position.
Find the Right ShipFinder Plan for You
Choose a plan based on how many vessels you want to follow via satellite, how much history you need and the size of your fleet.
| Feature | Basic ( Free ) | Standard | Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite AIS tracking | 1 vessel | 5 vessels | Unlimited |
| Historical tracks | 3 days | 14 days | 6 months |
| Fleet management | 10 vessels | 20 vessels | 100 vessels |
| Suggested fit | Personal users | Individuals and small-team workflows | Professional monitoring teams |
Start free with Basic. Access satellite AIS updates for 1 vessel, review 3 days of historical tracks and organize up to 10 vessels in your fleet. Basic is a convenient starting point for personal tracking and a way to try ShipFinder before choosing a paid plan.
Follow more ships with Standard. Access satellite AIS updates for up to 5 vessels, review 14 days of historical tracks and manage a fleet of up to 20 vessels. Standard is a good fit for individuals and small teams that check vessel movements regularly.
Monitor larger fleets with Professional. Access unlimited satellite tracking, six months of historical tracks and fleet management for up to 100 vessels. Professional is ideal for professional teams that need broader fleet monitoring and longer voyage history.
For longer-term analysis, 10+ years of historical vessel tracks are available through a tailored solution. Contact our team shipfinder@elaneglobal.com to discuss your needs.
Compare all ShipFinder plan features to find the right option for you.
Create a free ShipFinder account to find ships and follow their movements. Explore historical tracks, alerts and fleet management, with free satellite AIS tracking for one vessel when you want to follow its voyage offshore.