Best Alternatives to MarineTraffic in 2026
MarineTraffic, now part of Kpler, runs one of the largest AIS receiver networks in the world and serves 8.5 million users — a real, well-earned position built over nearly two decades. For offshore charterers, though, MarineTraffic answers one question well: where is a vessel right now. It doesn't answer whether that vessel is available, whether it fits your technical requirements, or who to contact about chartering it. Seavium is built specifically to answer those questions.
MarineTraffic vs Seavium at a glance
MarineTraffic | Seavium | |
|---|---|---|
Pricing model | Freemium, with Basic and Essential self-serve tiers plus Enterprise (contact sales); pricing now managed through Kpler | Subscription-based SaaS, offshore-focused |
Key features | Real-time AIS vessel tracking, port activity data, vessel statistics, user-submitted vessel photo database, API access, partnerships with IMO and UNCTAD | Self-serve offshore vessel search and intelligence, real-time market and pricing data, route planning with fuel cost estimation, automated alerts and workflow integrations |
Target users | A broad mix of professionals, businesses, and the general public tracking ship positions | Offshore chartering desks specifically |
Platform type | Web, mobile app, and API — one of the largest terrestrial AIS networks in the market | Web-based SaaS platform, offshore chartering-focused |
Integrations | AIS data API, now integrated into Kpler's broader maritime intelligence suite | API and workflow integrations (e.g. Make.com automations) |
Support | Self-serve for lower tiers, sales-assisted Enterprise plan | In-platform support, self-serve by design |
Why offshore teams look for MarineTraffic alternatives
MarineTraffic's AIS network is genuinely one of the best in the industry — the gap isn't coverage, it's what sits on top of the position data.
Position is not availability. Knowing where a vessel is doesn't tell you whether it's under contract, free to charter, or heading somewhere else entirely.
No offshore-qualifying specs. MarineTraffic's vessel database covers identity, type, and position — not the DP class, POB, deck area, or certification data that actually determines fit for an offshore project.
No path to the owner. MarineTraffic shows you a vessel exists and where it is; it doesn't connect you to a chartering conversation.
Built for a broad audience. With 8.5 million users spanning professionals and the general public, MarineTraffic's product is optimized for wide accessibility — a different design goal than a focused chartering desk tool.
What Seavium does differently
From position to decision. Seavium uses AIS as one input among several — technical specs, availability, and owner contact are what turn a position into a chartering decision.
Offshore-native criteria. DP class, POB, deck area, and draft are core to Seavium's data model.
Built for chartering desks specifically, not a general audience of ship-watchers and professionals combined.
A direct path to the owner, not just a vessel's coordinates.
MarineTraffic pricing breakdown
MarineTraffic offers a free tier, with paid Basic and Essential self-serve plans and an Enterprise tier requiring direct contact with Kpler sales. Since the Kpler acquisition, published per-credit API pricing has been phased out in favor of quoted commercial access for API and enterprise data feeds.
FAQ
Can I charter an offshore vessel through MarineTraffic?
No. MarineTraffic provides real-time and historical AIS position data, vessel identity, and port activity — not availability status, technical specs for offshore qualification, or owner contact for chartering.
Is MarineTraffic still independent from Kpler?
No. Kpler acquired MarineTraffic in March 2023 (announced February 2023), and MarineTraffic's AIS network now underpins Kpler's broader maritime intelligence products.
Is Seavium a competitor to MarineTraffic?
Partial overlap on the AIS layer, but different purposes. MarineTraffic is a general-purpose position-tracking tool; Seavium is a chartering platform that uses positioning as one input alongside offshore-specific specs and owner contact.
Why would an offshore charterer choose Seavium over MarineTraffic?
MarineTraffic tells you where a vessel is. Seavium tells you whether it fits your project, whether it's available, and how to reach the owner — the actual steps in a chartering decision.
Ready to see the difference?
Book a 30-minute walkthrough and see how Seavium turns vessel position data into a chartering decision, unlike MarineTraffic.
