API Integration Best Practices for Maritime Systems

Modern maritime operations depend on data flowing between systems. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the standard way to make this happen. Here’s what you need to know.

Why APIs Matter in Maritime

Maritime operations involve many specialized systems:

• Vessel tracking and AIS
• Maintenance and procurement
• Crew management
• Port and terminal systems
• ERP and accounting
• Regulatory reporting

Without integration, data gets re-entered, inconsistencies creep in, and decisions are based on outdated information.

API Basics

An API is simply a defined way for two systems to communicate. When you request vessel positions from an AIS provider or submit a port notification, you’re using APIs.

REST APIs

Most modern APIs follow REST principles:

• Resources identified by URLs
• Standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
• JSON data format
• Stateless requests

Authentication

APIs need to know who’s calling. Common approaches:

• API Keys - Simple string tokens
• OAuth2 - Token-based with refresh capability
• JWT - Self-contained tokens with claims

Integration Patterns

Real-Time vs. Batch

Some data needs to be current (vessel positions), while other data can sync periodically (master data).

Push vs. Pull

• Pull - Your system requests data when needed
• Push - External system sends data when it changes (webhooks)

Sync vs. Async

• Synchronous - Wait for response before continuing
• Asynchronous - Request and handle response separately

Error Handling

Things will go wrong. Plan for:

Transient Failures

Network issues, service overloads. Implement retry logic with exponential backoff.

Rate Limiting

Most APIs limit requests. Track your usage and implement queuing if needed.

Data Validation

Don’t trust incoming data blindly. Validate and sanitize before processing.

Monitoring

Log all API calls and responses. Set up alerts for failures and anomalies.

Maritime-Specific Considerations

Connectivity at Sea

Vessels have limited, intermittent connectivity. Design for:

• Offline operation
• Efficient sync when connected
• Handling conflicts from multiple data sources

Data Volumes

AIS alone generates millions of position reports daily. Consider:

• Filtering to relevant data
• Aggregation and sampling
• Efficient storage formats

Standards

Where available, use industry standards:

• BAPLIE for container positions
• EDIFACT for shipping messages
• S-100 family for navigation data

Getting Started

When integrating with a new system:

1. Read the documentation - Understand available endpoints and data models
2. Get sandbox access - Test in a non-production environment
3. Start small - Implement one use case before expanding
4. Monitor and iterate - Watch for issues and improve over time

Conclusion

API integration is essential for modern maritime operations. With proper planning and implementation, you can create a connected ecosystem where data flows seamlessly between systems, enabling better decisions and more efficient operations.