Port Finder API vs. Port Terminals API: Which One Do You Need?
When working with maritime data, having access to detailed port and terminal information is crucial for shipping logistics, vessel tracking, and supply chain management. Datalastic provides two powerful APIs to facilitate this: the Port Finder API and the Port Terminals API. While they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes.
This blog post will break down their differences and help you determine which API best suits your needs.
1. Understanding the Purpose of Each API:
Port Finder API: Locate Ports Worldwide
The Port Finder API is designed to help users find maritime ports based on various parameters, even when the exact name is unknown. It allows you to retrieve ports based on:
- Port name (including fuzzy search capabilities)
- Port type (e.g., Anchorage, Fishing Harbour, Marina, etc.)
- Country ISO code
- UN/LOCODE
- Geographical coordinates with radius search
This API is useful for businesses that need to locate nearby ports, check the availability of specific types of ports, or retrieve general port information.
Example Port Finder API Request:
https://api.datalastic.com/api/v0/port_find?api-key={YOUR_API_KEY}&name=rotterdam&fuzzy=1API Example Response:
{
"data": [
{
"uuid": "17f4481e-801a-2c57-a356-e8ccf561f14f",
"port_name": "LONDON",
"country_iso": "GB",
"country_name": "United Kingdom",
"unlocode": "GBLON",
"port_type": "Port",
"lat": 51.49743,
"lon": -0.04960075,
"area_lvl1": "UK Coast & Atlantic",
"area_lvl2": "North Sea"
}
],
"meta": {
"duration": 0.0846065,
"endpoint": "/api/v0/port_find",
"success": true
}
}Port Terminals API: Retrieve Terminal-Specific Data
The Port Terminals API provides a more detailed breakdown of a port, including information about its terminals, their locations, operators, and contact details. This API allows you to search for ports using:
- Port name
- UN/LOCODE
- UUID (Unique Identifier)
- Geographical coordinates with a radius search
It is ideal for users who need to find detailed terminal data for cargo handling, shipping logistics, or port operations.
Example Port Terminals API Request:
https://api.datalastic.com/api/v0/port?api-key={YOUR_API_KEY}&unlocode=ESMPGAPI Example Response:
{
"data": {
"uuid": "3713d077-5daa-a40a-60df-1a55f6d5f515",
"port_name": "MARIN",
"country_iso": "ES",
"country_name": "Spain",
"unlocode": "ESMPG",
"port_type": "Port",
"lat": 42.40034,
"lon": -8.695311,
"area_lvl1": "UK Coast & Atlantic",
"area_lvl2": "UK Coast & Atlantic",
"terminals": [
{
"terminal_code": "MPT",
"terminal_name": "MARIN PORT TERMINAL",
"company_name": "PEREZ TORRES MARITIMA S.L.",
"lat": 42.405278,
"lon": -8.692778,
"url": "https://www.ptmar.com/en/puertos/puerto-marin",
"address": "Muelle comercial s/n, 36900 Marín, Pontevedra, Spain"
}
]
},
"meta": {
"duration": 0.002404252,
"endpoint": "/api/v0/port",
"success": true
}
}2. Key Differences Between Port Finder API and Port Terminals API
| Feature | Port Finder API | Port Terminals API |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Locate ports worldwide | Retrieve detailed terminal information |
| Port Search | Name, UN/LOCODE, Country ISO, Geo-coordinates | Name, UN/LOCODE, UUID, Geo-coordinates |
| Fuzzy Search | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Port Type Filtering | ✅ Yes (e.g., Marina, Fishing Harbour) | ❌ No |
| Terminal Details | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Operator, Address, Coordinates) |
| Best For | Finding ports near a location, general port data | Getting terminal-specific details within a port |
3. Which API Should You Use?
Use the Port Finder API if you need to:
It lets you search by approximate name, location, or country and gives you general port details.
✔ Search for ports even if you’re unsure of the exact name (fuzzy search)
✔ Find ports based on location or coordinates
✔ Get general details like country, location, and type
Use the Port Terminals API if you need to:
If you’re looking for more specific information, like terminal names, operators, and contact details.
✔ Access detailed terminal information
✔ Find out who operates a terminal and how to contact them
✔ Locate specific terminals within a port
So, if you want to see all ports in Spain within 50NM of a location, go with the Port Finder API. But if you need to know which terminals are inside a port and who runs them, the Port Terminals API is the way to go.
Conclusion
Both the Port Finder API and the Port Terminals API are powerful tools for maritime industry professionals. The Port Finder API helps locate ports quickly, even with vague details, while the Port Terminals API dives deeper into terminal-specific information. By understanding their differences, you can choose the right API based on your operational needs.
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