MarineTraffic - Ship Tracking

What MarineTraffic does

MarineTraffic - Ship Tracking turns AIS data into a live map of vessel movement. You can search for ships, follow their positions, check activity around ports and marinas, and view estimated arrivals and departures. It suits people who need practical vessel information as well as coastal users who simply want to identify traffic offshore.

Useful tools for following ships

• Live vessel map: Browse global traffic or look up a specific ship by name and other identifying details.
• Port information: Check movements at more than 4,000 ports and marinas, including arrival and departure activity.
• AR identification: Point a phone toward the horizon to see information about visible vessels, where supported.
• Track playback: Review a vessel’s earlier route rather than relying only on its current position.
• Fleet lists: Keep selected vessels together for quicker monitoring across the app and web service.

Where the trade-off appears

This is a data-heavy navigation app, so it makes more sense for users who want ship detail than for someone seeking a simple map. The large number of markers and filters can take time to learn, particularly when viewing busy coastlines or ports. Extended use of the live map may also use significant battery power.

Some of the most advanced information, including satellite-based AIS data and more detailed nautical charts, may require an additional purchase or subscription. That matters when comparing it with a simpler tracking app: MarineTraffic offers more maritime depth, but not every layer is available on the same terms.

At a glance

Developed by MarineTraffic Applications, this Maps & Navigation app has a 4.77/5 rating from 121,581 reviews and more than 5,000,000 installs. It is a strong fit for ship watchers, boaters, logistics users and anyone checking the movement of a particular vessel.