01 · SHIP DIRECTORY

Understand a vessel through its full context—not only its name.

The Pelastra Ship Directory is designed to bring vessel identity, technical characteristics, flag, management and operational information into one clear profile structure.

This page explains the information architecture of the Ship Directory. Live position or AIS data can only be offered separately when a current, licensed data source is connected.

VESSEL PROFILE

What information belongs in a vessel profile?

Each field answers a different question. Separating persistent identity data from operational details that can change over time is essential for accurate interpretation.

01

Identity data

Helps match the vessel correctly across different records.

  • IMO number
  • Current and former vessel names
  • Call sign
  • MMSI number
02

Technical profile

Provides an overview of structural capacity and essential characteristics.

  • Vessel type and subtype
  • Build year and shipyard
  • Gross tonnage and deadweight
  • Length, beam and draft
03

Registration and management

Helps explain the administrative and commercial structure around the vessel.

  • Flag state
  • Port of registry
  • Classification society
  • Owner, manager and operator
04

Operational context

Describes the vessel’s activity and current status as far as available sources allow.

  • Operational status
  • Working region
  • Port and route context
  • Last verified date

VESSEL TYPES

Explore the fleet by operational purpose.

Vessel type is a practical starting point for understanding technical capacity, operating model, crew structure and likely compliance requirements.

Bulk Carrier

Vessels with cargo holds and operating profiles designed for transporting unpackaged bulk cargo.

Container Ship

Vessels designed to carry standard containers in liner or feeder operations.

Tanker

Specialised vessel groups differentiated for crude oil, products, chemicals or gas.

Passenger & Ro-Ro

Vessels operating with passengers, vehicles or a combination of both.

Offshore & Service

Vessels used for offshore operations, research, supply and technical support.

Tug & Support

Vessels supporting manoeuvring, towing, salvage, port and auxiliary operations.

READING A PROFILE

Evaluate a vessel record in four steps.

  1. 01

    Verify the identity

    Vessel names can change. When comparing records, begin with the IMO number used as the persistent vessel identifier.

  2. 02

    Understand technical capacity

    Read vessel type, tonnage, dimensions and build year together to understand the operating profile.

  3. 03

    Review administrative context

    Interpret flag, classification and management details together with their source and record date.

  4. 04

    Check recency

    Because name, flag, MMSI, operator and operating status can change, always consider the latest verification date.

DATA TRUST

A useful directory explains context—not only data.

  • Whenever possible, each profile field should show its source and most recent verification date.
  • The persistent IMO number should be distinguished from vessel name, flag, MMSI and operator details that can change.
  • Conflicting records should not be silently merged; verification status should be visible to the user.
  • Critical operational, safety or compliance decisions should not rely on a directory record alone.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Essential answers for understanding vessel records.

What is an IMO number?

An IMO number is a unique identifier assigned to eligible vessels and continues to be associated with the vessel even when its name or flag changes.

Are IMO number and MMSI the same?

No. The IMO number supports long-term vessel identification. MMSI is associated with maritime radio communication and systems such as AIS, and it can change in certain circumstances.

Can a vessel change its name or flag?

Yes. Vessel name, flag, port of registry, operator and management details can change during the vessel’s lifecycle.

Does the Ship Directory show live positions?

Live position requires a separate AIS data service. Vessel profiles and live tracking are different data products; live positions are not shown without an appropriate integration.

How current is the information?

Each profile should show its last verification date and, where possible, source information. Time-sensitive data should be confirmed through official or authorised sources before use.

Turning vessel data into searchable, understandable maritime profiles.

As the Ship Directory develops, vessels can be explored through connected company, port, flag and operational context.

Back to all directories