Gandhinagar witnessed a groundbreaking moment in legal education as APM Terminals Pipavav unveiled an AI-driven virtual reality courtroom simulation program. This pioneering initiative, inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant during the 16th convocation of Gujarat National Law University, marks a transformative step towards immersive, hands-on learning for aspiring lawyers.
Under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility umbrella, the program was developed by Maersk Training specifically for Gujarat Maritime University. It transports students into a fully interactive virtual courtroom where they can practice advocacy, present evidence, engage with judges, and devise legal strategies. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, it equips learners with practical skills essential for modern legal practice.
The platform shines particularly in complex domains like maritime law, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution, offering scenarios that mirror actual courtroom dynamics. Students gain confidence and competence in high-stakes environments without the risks of live proceedings.
The convocation ceremony drew luminaries including Supreme Court Justice Arvind Kumar, Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, and Justice Nilay Vipinchandra Anjaria. Chief Justice Suryakant praised the effort, calling it a ‘remarkable initiative’ that strengthens practical training for lawyers with a promising future.
APM Terminals Pipavav’s Managing Director Girish Agarwal highlighted India’s booming maritime sector and the critical role of digital and AI technologies. He emphasized the company’s investments beyond infrastructure into education, innovation, and capacity building. CSR Head Colonel Ankur Vashisht noted that education and skill development are core to their policy, preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges.
GNLU Director Prof. S. Shanthakumar lauded the integration of AI and VR, stating it aligns students with global legal landscapes, especially in maritime law and dispute resolution. This collaboration between industry and academia bolsters Gujarat’s maritime and legal education ecosystem.
As one of India’s premier ports handling containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and Ro-Ro cargo, APM Terminals Pipavav stands as the nation’s first public-private partnership port and the initial one connected to the Dedicated Freight Corridor. Globally, APM Terminals, part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, operates over 60 facilities in 33 countries, employing 22,000 people, welcoming 27,000+ vessels, and managing 23.2 million container movements in 2024.