| IMO | MMSI | Name | CallSign |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9625803 | 314884000 | GIFT | 8P2246 |
| 9625803 | 538004296 | BEKS NAZIK | V7WG7 |
| 9625803 | 630001119 | GIFT | J5AN9 |
Vessel Identification
Problem
Vessel data plays a crucial role in the maritime industry, where ships are primarily identified by their IMO (International Maritime Organization) numbers and MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) numbers . It is widely accepted that the IMO number remains unique and unchanged throughout a vessel’s lifetime, whereas MMSI numbers may change —often when a vessel is sold or undergoes ownership transfer.
However, in reality, vessel data is far from straightforward . Inconsistencies in identifiers and naming conventions create significant challenges when tracking or verifying vessel information.
Examples
Consider the following example:
The table above displays three records, all sharing the same IMO (9625803) but differing in their MMSI numbers, vessel names, and call signs. Despite these differences, are they actually the same vessel?
After careful verification, it becomes evident that these are indeed the same vessel , with different MMSI numbers assigned over time. If you’re interested in further details, you can explore more about this vessel here.
Now, take a look at another dataset where all records share the same IMO number (9321706) , yet again their other identifiers—MMSI numbers, call signs, and names—are drastically different .
| IMO | Name | MMSI | CallSign |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9321706 | DM44 | 457532000 | JVTS4 |
| 9321706 | MERCURY | 626315000 | TRAX8 |
| 9321706 | CAP CHARLES | 636020911 | 5LBI3 |
| 9321706 | MERCURY | 341846000 | V4ZK4 |
Are these records truly referring to the same vessel? Through deeper analysis, it turns out that these are actually different vessels despite having the same IMO number. The data below visually distinguishes two different ships , which have been categorized and color-coded accordingly :
| IMO | Name | MMSI | CallSign |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9321706 | DM44 | 457532000 | JVTS4 |
| 9321706 | MERCURY | 626315000 | TRAX8 |
| 9321706 | CAP CHARLES | 636020911 | 5LBI3 |
| 9321706 | MERCURY | 341846000 | V4ZK4 |
So, MERCURY and CAP CHARLES refer to the same vessel, while DM44 is an entirely different one .
AI-Powered Vessel Identification
Tracking vessel identities accurately requires advanced technology and intelligent data validation . At MagicPort , we leverage a proprietary algorithm powered by Machine Learning to systematically analyze vessel records, uncover inconsistencies, and improve maritime intelligence.
As of today, our system has successfully identified over 95,000 active vessels across the globe, helping the industry navigate the complexities of maritime data with greater accuracy and efficiency.
🚢 Want to learn more? Explore maritime intelligence at MagicPort.