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MarineTraffic Tutorial

Track global maritime traffic in real time to support your international logistics and trade decisions.

Video Tutorial

1. What is MarineTraffic?

MarineTraffic is an online platform that enables real-time tracking of ships across the globe. It is a valuable tool for analyzing shipping routes, estimating arrival times, and monitoring port activity.

  • Live vessel tracking and route monitoring
  • Detailed ship and port information
  • Global maritime traffic analysis
Note: Basic access is free, but advanced features require a paid subscription.

2. Access the map

  1. Visit the map: marinetraffic.com (direct link)
  2. Use zoom and filters on the left panel to explore specific zones or vessel types.
  3. Click on a vessel to view details such as name, destination, speed, type, and flag.

3. Useful features

  • Search bar: Look up ships, ports or locations directly.
  • Filters: Select by ship type: cargo, tankers, container vessels, passengers, etc.
  • History: Use “Voyage Info” to view a vessel’s previous route.
Tip: Enable layers (ports, marine zones, etc.) using the button in the lower right corner.

4. Practical example

Example: View maritime traffic in South America

  1. Use this pre-set view: MarineTraffic - South America view
  2. Hover over different vessels to explore their information.
  3. Apply filters to focus on specific cargo types (e.g., containers, oil tankers).

You can also use MarineTraffic to monitor the logistics of your international suppliers or customers.

5. Recommendations

  • Create a free account to save routes or activate tracking alerts.
  • Combine this tool with databases such as UNCTADstat or the Liner Shipping Index for deeper insights.
  • Monitor key maritime hotspots (Panama Canal, Strait of Gibraltar, etc.) regularly to identify strategic opportunities.

Other useful tools

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