Tanker Vessels Hazard Category Major A: Real-time Tracking

Tanker vessels hazard category major A, are are the ones carrying cargo you really don’t want spilled into the sea. Because of what’s on board, they need constant eyes on them, not just for safety, but to avoid environmental disasters and keep port operations running without surprises.

If you work at a port, in shipping operations, or deal with maritime risk, you already know how valuable it is to know exactly where these tankers are and where they’ve been.

So here’s a quick run-through of what “Hazard Category Major A” actually means, why these vessels matter so much, and how our AIS Data API can keep you updated on them in real time.

What is the tanker vessel’s Hazard Category Major A?

The classification “Hazard Category Major A” is part of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and related safety frameworks for dangerous goods transport.

Tankers in this category carry high-risk, hazardous cargoes, which may include:

• Crude oil and petroleum products

• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

• Chemicals such as methanol, benzene, or other volatile liquids

• Other flammable, toxic, or explosive substances

When a ship is marked “Major A,” it’s as high-risk as it gets; any spill or accident could hit people, infrastructure, and the environment hard.

How Tanker Tracking Works: Real-Time Vessel Monitoring Explained

Most tanker tracking relies on the Automatic Identification System (AIS).

A required transponder that sends out a ship’s position, speed, course, and other trip details.

There are two main ways that AIS data gets picked up:

• Terrestrial AIS: picked up by coastal stations, which gives very accurate data when the ship is near land.

• Satellite AIS (S-AIS): picked up by satellites, so you can still track vessels even when they’re way out in the middle of the ocean.

Tracking Challenges for Hazardous Tankers:

• Signal gaps in remote ocean areas without satellite coverage but our new SAT-E technology changes that. It lets you track vessels even offline, no satellite required. Check out the new endpoint to see it in action

• Data overload occurs when monitoring thousands of vessels without proper filtering tools

How Our API Helps You Monitor Hazard Category Major A Tankers:

Our Maritime AIS Data API is designed to provide you with multiple data points, as highlighted in the image below.

You can track vessels not only in real time but also historically, and access a variety of information.

Example:

Want to know which Major A tankers are currently heading toward Singapore or Rotterdam?
With our API, you can retrieve the full list, their positions, and ETAs in seconds.

Simply use the Location Traffic Tracking endpoint. In a single API call, you can set:

• The search radius

• The UN/LOCODE of the destination port (e.g., SNG for Singapore)

• The vessel type (Major A tankers)

Example API request:

API Response:

Maritime AIS Solutions for Hazard Category Major A Vessels

 Major A tankers keep global trade moving. But they also come with serious risks. Our API makes it simple to see where they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going, so you can act with confidence and stay ahead of the game.

Ready to monitor Hazard Category Major A tankers with precision?

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