Vessel traffic and the amount of cargo that ships carry is rising in US waters. Since 2010, vessel traffic in US waters has increased by 10.5%, reaching an astounding 2.3 billion tons of cargo annually. The nation’s 25,000 miles of navigable waterways also support travel, fishing, research, and recreation. Understanding how and where waters are used is critical for the environment, the economy, and communities across the country.
This interactive map from Esri provides a comprehensive view into vessel traffic in the US. It uses Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to show vessel tracks and types over time.
Opening the map shows the most recent data available for different vessel types. The map includes filters to switch between cargo, military, fishing, passenger, and more vessel types. You can filter by month and year since January 2015, with new data uploaded every quarter. The map also lets you download ship tracks based on time, vessel type, and geography.
The map’s symbology emphasizes ship tracks so you can find patterns. Ship tracks for different vessel types draw in brilliant neon colors against a dark blue basemap. In areas where ships travel the same route, tracks glow brighter. Immediately, you can spot common routes, congested areas, and places where ships dwell. As you zoom in near ports, you can see specific channels and routes vessels follow, resembling an aquatic highway. You can also select an individual track to see the ship name, track date, and more.
The map also includes vessel traffic in lakes, rivers, and bays. For example, the Mississippi River remains a key artery for commerce. By switching between cargo and tow vessels, you can see where waters become too shallow for larger ships.
These kinds of insights can help stakeholders and marine planners in several ways. The map shows how events like the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge or the COVID pandemic impacted marine traffic. It can help regulators ensure fishing vessels avoid protected areas. And it can highlight where ships dwell off coasts while awaiting berths, creating potential environmental impacts.
More to Explore
- Learn how this interactive map was made.
- Discover additional ways to use AIS data and tips for working with it.
