Why track ships in real time?

In a world where maritime trade accounts for more than 80% of global trade, the need to know the exact location of ships has gone from being a luxury to a necessity. Whether you are a maritime professional, a logistics service provider, a shipowner or simply a sailing enthusiast, having a tool that allows you to track ships in real time is vital for improving planning, anticipating delays or monitoring fleets.

In this article, we explore the best apps for tracking ships in real time in 2025, including their features, advantages, and practical use cases. Among the most notable are MarineTraffic, VesselFinder, and FindShip, three industry leaders that have transformed the way we interact with maritime traffic.

MarineTraffic: the global benchmark in maritime tracking

MarineTraffic is undoubtedly the world’s most recognised app for tracking ships in real time and monitoring them comprehensively.

Key features:

• Real-time display of more than 800,000 ship positions per day.
• Global coverage thanks to a network of AIS (Automatic Identification System) stations.
• Detailed information about each vessel: type, flag, length, draught, destination, speed, route history, etc.
• Interactive maps with filter options by vessel type, status, or route.
• Integration with meteorological and satellite data.

Practical uses:

• Tracking of cargo ships on key routes such as the Suez Canal or the Strait of Gibraltar.
• Fleet management by logistics companies.
• Detection of anomalies in routes or estimated arrival times (ETA).

🔗 Visit MarineTraffic

VesselFinder: a powerful and free alternative

VesselFinder offers a similar experience to MarineTraffic for tracking ships in real time, but with a more accessible approach for the average user.

Key features:

• Free ship tracking via land-based AIS coverage.
• Live position data, movement history, and photographs of ships.
• Filters by vessel type, flag or port of destination.
• Intuitive interface in both its web version and mobile app.

Differentiators:

• More open access in its free version.
• An excellent tool for private users or small freight forwarders.

🔗 Visit VesselFinder

FindShip: the best option for mobile devices

FindShip has positioned itself as one of the best mobile apps for tracking ships in real time, ideal for those who require agility and mobility.

Main advantages:

• Available for iOS and Android.
• It allows you to track more than 100,000 ships with real-time updates.
• User-friendly visual interface and access to technical details of the vessels.
• Push notifications for changes in status, location, or arrival.

Use cases:

• Captains and sailors who need to locate other nearby vessels.
• Sailing enthusiasts who follow regattas or cruises in real time.

🔗 Download FindShip

What to consider when choosing an app to track ships in real time?

Before deciding on an app or other platform/tool, consider the following aspects:

1. Data accuracy: check whether the app uses real-time or delayed AIS data.

2. Accessibility: whether it can be accessed from a computer, mobile phone, or both.

3. Extra features: such as route history, ETA prediction, alerts, or compatibility with weather data.

4. Cost and subscriptions: some advanced features may require a premium subscription.

5. Security and privacy: avoid apps that share personal information without consent.

Benefits of tracking ships in real time

For businesses:

• Improves logistics and traceability of goods.
• Facilitates compliance with deadlines and reduces costs due to delays.
• It allows you to make strategic decisions in real time when faced with unforeseen circumstances.

For ports and authorities:

• Optimisation of port traffic and berthing management.
• Greater safety and environmental control.

For individual users:

• Tracking personal trips.
• Learning and interest in the maritime world.

Future outlook: towards smarter navigation

In the coming years, these applications will be enhanced with the integration of satellites, IoT, and predictive systems based on artificial intelligence. Digital twins of ships and routes will allow real-time visualisation not only of a ship’s location, but also its operational status, emission levels, fuel consumption, and efficiency.

Real-time vessel tracking will be an essential part of the digital transformation of the maritime sector, in line with the sustainability and efficiency objectives promoted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the European Union.

Conclusion: information at your fingertips

Having a reliable app to track ships in real time is no longer optional, but an integral part of everyday life in the maritime world. Tools such as MarineTraffic, VesselFinder, and FindShip allow companies, authorities, and individuals to access critical information accurately, quickly, and from anywhere in the world.

Choose the one that best suits your needs and stay connected to the pulse of the sea.