If you have ever looked at a Bill of Lading and seen a "vessel" field followed by a code, you have met the vessel number. Here is what it actually means.
Vessel name, IMO number and voyage number
Three identifiers are often lumped together:
- Vessel name — the ship's name, e.g. MSC Gülsün.
- IMO number — a permanent, 7-digit identifier assigned by the International Maritime Organization that never changes for the life of the ship, even if it is renamed or reflagged. It always starts with the letters "IMO".
- Voyage number — a code the carrier assigns to a specific sailing of that vessel (e.g. 124E). The same ship has a different voyage number on every trip.
When people say "vessel number" they usually mean the voyage number combined with the vessel name — together they pinpoint the exact sailing your cargo is on.
Why it matters
The vessel and voyage number let you (and customs) track a shipment, confirm the sailing schedule, and tie your container to a specific departure and arrival. You will see it on the Bill of Lading, the shipping instructions and the carrier's tracking portal.
Where to find it
Check your Bill of Lading (vessel + voyage fields), your forwarder's booking confirmation, or the carrier's online track-and-trace using your container or B/L number. The IMO number can be looked up on public vessel databases if you need to verify the exact ship.
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