Live Vessel Tracker

Live ship tracking near Chennai port

Every large vessel continuously broadcasts its identity, position, speed and heading over AIS (Automatic Identification System) - a VHF radio signal designed to stop ships colliding. The live map above is MarineTraffic's AIS feed, which blends coastal and satellite AIS coverage, so ships show up around Chennai, Ennore and Kattupalli as well as out on the open ocean. We store nothing: the map runs entirely in your browser.

Chennai, Ennore and Kattupalli port vessel schedules

For each port, the map is effectively a live vessel schedule: you can see at a glance which ships are alongside the berth, which are riding at anchor waiting for a slot, and which are still inbound. Click a vessel for its ETA, speed and destination. Tap the port buttons to switch between the Chennai port, Ennore and Kattupalli (Adani) terminals - the three that matter most for cargo moving through the city - plus Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Kandla, Cochin, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Haldia and Mangalore. It's the fastest way to check whether the vessel carrying your container has berthed yet. For the official published berthing report and arrival timetable, the Chennai Port Authority and your shipping line remain the formal source.

How to use it

• Switch between ports - the map opens on Chennai, and the buttons above it jump straight to Ennore/Kattupalli, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Kandla, Cochin, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Haldia/Kolkata and Mangalore. Pan or zoom anywhere in the world to watch traffic elsewhere.
• Follow one ship - type its 9-digit MMSI into the box above the map. The map locks onto that vessel and draws its recent track. You can get the MMSI from your shipping line, carrier tracking tools, or by searching the vessel name on AIS services.
• Read a vessel - click any marker for its name, type, speed, course and destination. Markers are coloured by ship type, and arrows point in the direction of travel.

What is an MMSI number, and where do I find it?

An MMSI number is a unique 9-digit number that identifies a ship on AIS - its full form is Maritime Mobile Service Identity. The first three digits are the country code, so the MMSI number of an Indian-flagged ship starts with 419. It's the most reliable way to track a specific vessel, since names and call signs can repeat. Your shipping line or freight forwarder may be able to confirm the MMSI of the vessel carrying your container; public AIS tools can also help when you already know the vessel name.

Coverage and accuracy

Positions near a coast or busy port update within seconds to a couple of minutes; mid-ocean positions come from satellite passes and can be older. This is a great way to see whether your vessel has berthed, is waiting at anchor, or is still a few days out - but it's an aid for planning, not an official source, and must never be used for navigation. For confirmed schedules and berthing, always check with your line or with us.