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Maritime · head to head

Kongsberg Maritime vs VesselFinder

Kongsberg Maritime logo

Kongsberg Maritime

Maritime

Complete maritime technology solutions

From
$25000/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
VesselFinder logo

VesselFinder

Maritime

Free AIS vessel tracking web site

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only VesselFinder has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Kongsberg Maritime no pricing published on website, requires direct vendor contact; VesselFinder aPI access is billed in credits, and a satellite AIS position costs 10 credits against 1 for a terrestrial position
  • They diverge on capability: Kongsberg Maritime covers ECDIS navigation, VesselFinder covers Real-time tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kongsberg Maritime and VesselFinder actually diverge.

Attributes where Kongsberg Maritime and VesselFinder differ
AttributeKongsberg MaritimeVesselFinder
Starting price$25000/one-timeFree
Pricing modelone-timefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsEmbedded, WindowsWeb, Ios, Android
Founded19462011

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maritime).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Kongsberg Maritime

  • ECDIS navigation
  • Bridge automation
  • Dynamic positioning
  • Vessel control
  • Propulsion systems
  • Sensors
  • Communication systems
  • Embedded support

Only in VesselFinder

  • Real-time tracking
  • Vessel database
  • Port information
  • Weather overlay
  • API access
  • Mobile apps
  • Web support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Kongsberg Maritime

  • Ship automation and propulsion control for commercial cargo vesselsnot VesselFinder
  • Bridge system integration for navigation and vessel operationnot VesselFinder
  • Emissions reduction through hybrid and electric propulsion systemsnot VesselFinder
  • Engine room automation and electrical power managementnot VesselFinder
  • 24/7 global maritime customer support and vessel upgradesnot VesselFinder

VesselFinder

  • Tracking vessel positions and voyages from AIS datanot Kongsberg Maritime
  • Pulling ship positions and particulars into a logistics or chartering system over an APInot Kongsberg Maritime

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Kongsberg Maritime

  • No pricing published on website, requires direct vendor contact
  • Quote-based pricing model, no transparent pricing tiers
  • 24/7 global support across 20 countries increases operational costs
  • Specialized maritime systems may require custom integrations

VesselFinder

  • API access is billed in credits, and a satellite AIS position costs 10 credits against 1 for a terrestrial position
  • Credits expire 12 months after purchase
  • Credit packs start at 330 EUR for 10,000 credits, excluding VAT
  • Tracking a vessel outside terrestrial AIS range multiplies the cost of every position tenfold, so open ocean coverage is the expensive case rather than the standard one

Pricing, plan by plan

Kongsberg Maritime

$25000/one-time
  • Integrated Bridge$150000/one-time
    • ECDIS
    • Radar
    • Automation

VesselFinder

Free
  • Basic$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Extended history
    • Fleet monitoring

Which should you pick?

Choose Kongsberg Maritime if

  • You need ecdis navigation.
  • You work on Embedded, Windows.
  • You also want bridge automation.
Kongsberg Maritime review

Choose VesselFinder if

  • You need real-time tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want vessel database.
VesselFinder review

Questions people ask

Is Kongsberg Maritime or VesselFinder better?
Neither clearly leads. Kongsberg Maritime starts at $25000/one-time and VesselFinder at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kongsberg Maritime or VesselFinder?
VesselFinder has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $25000/one-time for Kongsberg Maritime and Free for VesselFinder.
Does Kongsberg Maritime or VesselFinder run on more platforms?
Kongsberg Maritime runs on Embedded, Windows. VesselFinder runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use VesselFinder for free?
Yes. VesselFinder has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Kongsberg Maritime starts at $25000/one-time.
What is Kongsberg Maritime best used for?
Kongsberg Maritime is most often used for ship automation and propulsion control for commercial cargo vessels, bridge system integration for navigation and vessel operation, emissions reduction through hybrid and electric propulsion systems, engine room automation and electrical power management. Of those, ship automation and propulsion control for commercial cargo vessels and bridge system integration for navigation and vessel operation are not what VesselFinder is typically brought in for.
What can Kongsberg Maritime do that VesselFinder cannot?
Kongsberg Maritime covers ECDIS navigation, Bridge automation, Dynamic positioning, Vessel control. VesselFinder covers Real-time tracking, Vessel database, Port information, Weather overlay.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Kongsberg Maritime: How much does Kongsberg Maritime cost?

Kongsberg Maritime does not publish pricing on its website. Pricing depends on the specific maritime solutions and vessel systems you need. Contact their sales team for a custom quote based on your vessel type, integration requirements, and service level needs.

Source
VesselFinder: What are the main pricing tiers for VesselFinder?

VesselFinder offers four tiers: Free (no cost), Basic (4 dollars per month), Premium (34 dollars per month), and Satellite (139 dollars per month).

Source
Kongsberg Maritime: Does Kongsberg Maritime offer support contracts?

Yes. Kongsberg Maritime provides 24/7 global customer support across 20 countries with onsite, remote, and digital support options. Support is included as part of lifecycle services from newbuild through decommissioning, but specific support contract terms and costs are not published and must be negotiated directly.

Source
VesselFinder: What does the Free plan include?

The Free plan provides terrestrial coverage, 1-day track history, a 10-ship fleet capacity, and 100 route planner uses.

Source
Kongsberg Maritime: What is the licensing model for Kongsberg Maritime systems?

Kongsberg Maritime does not publish licensing details online. Systems are typically sold based on vessel specifications and specific use cases. Licensing and subscription models are handled on a per-contract basis. Contact sales for information about licensing options and associated costs.

Source
VesselFinder: What tracking capabilities come with the Satellite plan?

The Satellite plan includes both satellite and terrestrial coverage, 90-day track history, 2,000-ship fleet capacity, terminal and berth data, proximity event alerts, and ETA prediction.

Source
Kongsberg Maritime: Are there any included services with Kongsberg Maritime systems?

Yes. Kongsberg Maritime includes lifecycle services spanning from newbuild vessels through decommissioning. This includes 24/7 support, system integration, and remote monitoring capabilities. Specific inclusions and costs vary by contract and the systems you purchase.

Source
VesselFinder: Do subscriptions automatically renew?

No, subscriptions do not renew automatically. Users receive reminder notifications one week before expiration.

Source
VesselFinder: Do the listed prices include VAT?

No, the prices displayed do not include VAT. Payment options include bank transfers and credit or debit cards processed online.

Source
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