- APM Terminals Pipavav’s CSR-driven innovation places law students inside immersive digital courts
- AI-enabled VR simulation unveiled at Gujarat National Law University convocation in Gandhinagar
- Developed by Maersk Training, platform strengthens maritime law, arbitration and dispute resolution skills
- Bridges theory and practice through experiential legal education powered by artificial intelligence
- Initiative reinforces India’s maritime ecosystem by building future-ready legal talent and institutional capacity
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, MAR 2
In a defining leap for India’s legal education ecosystem, APM Terminals Pipavav announced the launch of the country’s first-of-its-kind AI-enabled Virtual Reality Courtroom Simulation Programme, a transformative platform designed to immerse students in realistic courtroom environments and sharpen advocacy, arbitration, and dispute resolution skills.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Hon. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during the Sixteenth Convocation Ceremony of Gujarat National Law University, marking a milestone in integrating artificial intelligence and virtual reality into experiential legal training.
Developed by Maersk Training with CSR support from APM Terminals Pipavav for Gujarat Maritime University, the simulation creates a fully interactive virtual courtroom where learners can practice litigation strategy, present evidence, engage with judges, and navigate complex legal scenarios — including specialised maritime disputes.
The convocation was also graced by Justice Aravind Kumar, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Sunita Agarwal, Chief Justice, High Court of Gujarat; and Justice Nilay Vipinchandra Anjaria, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Visitor, GNLU.
By transporting learners into lifelike judicial environments, the AI-enabled VR courtroom simulation bridges the long-standing gap between classroom theory and real-world courtroom practice. The programme equips students with critical competencies in maritime law, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution, aligning legal education with the evolving demands of India’s rapidly expanding maritime economy.
Enabling this initiative reflects APM Terminals Pipavav’s broader commitment to strengthening Gujarat’s maritime and legal education ecosystem, while advancing innovation-driven academic-industry collaboration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, said, “This is an impressive initiative by APM Terminals Pipavav. It is a valuable step towards strengthening the practical training of lawyers and I can see a promising future for it”
Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director, APM Terminals Pipavav, said, “As India’s maritime sector continues to expand in scale and complexity, the integration of advanced digital and AI-driven capabilities is no longer optional, it is foundational. At APM Terminals Pipavav, we believe that strengthening the maritime ecosystem goes beyond infrastructure, it includes investing in education, innovation, and institutional capacity. Through this CSR-supported initiative, we are pleased to contribute to a forward-looking learning platform that equips students with practical exposure and industry-relevant competencies, building leadership and expertise that will shape the next phase of India’s maritime growth.”
Col. Ankur Vashishtha, CSR Head, APM Terminals Pipavav, said, “Supporting education and skill development is a key pillar of our CSR philosophy. Through this initiative, we are pleased to contribute to an innovative learning platform that equips students with practical exposure and future-oriented competencies relevant to the maritime and legal sectors.”
Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director, Gujarat National Law University and Provost, Gujarat Maritime University, added, “The integration of AI-enabled virtual reality tools into legal education represents an important step towards experiential and practice-oriented learning. This initiative strengthens our efforts to equip students, particularly in maritime law and dispute resolution, with the skills and exposure required in an evolving global legal landscape. We appreciate the support extended through this collaboration.”
This pioneering initiative underscores APM Terminals Pipavav’s sustained CSR focus on nurturing future-ready legal talent and enhancing institutional excellence. By embedding cutting-edge AI and VR technologies into legal pedagogy, the programme strengthens India’s global competitiveness in maritime law while redefining how the next generation of lawyers are trained.
