CJI Surya Kant inaugurates AI-enabled VR courtroom simulation supported by APM Terminals Pipavav

APM Terminals Pipavav has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind AI-enabled Virtual Reality (VR) Courtroom Simulation Programme aimed at transforming legal education through immersive and experiential learning. 

The programme was formally inaugurated by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. 

The initiative was unveiled during the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU). It is being driven by APM Terminals Pipavav under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment and has been developed by Maersk Training for Gujarat Maritime University. 

The AI-powered VR platform places learners inside a fully interactive virtual courtroom, enabling them to practise advocacy, present evidence, engage with judges, and develop strategic legal reasoning skills in realistic, high-stakes scenarios. The programme is designed to shift courtroom training from theoretical instruction to hands-on experiential learning. 

Focus on maritime law and dispute resolution 

While the platform can be applied across diverse branches of law, it has a strong focus on maritime disputes, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The immersive environment is expected to strengthen practical exposure and industry-relevant competencies, particularly as India’s maritime sector grows in scale and complexity. 

By simulating real-world courtroom dynamics, the programme aims to bridge the gap between classroom teaching and professional legal practice, equipping students with skills aligned to evolving global standards. 

CJI 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 the initiative reflects the company’s broader vision of strengthening the maritime ecosystem beyond physical infrastructure. 

“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 strengthening the maritime ecosystem includes investing in education, innovation, and institutional capacity,” he said. 

Col. Ankur Vashishtha, CSR Head at APM Terminals Pipavav, added that supporting education and skill development remains a key pillar of the company’s 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,” he said. 

Prof (Dr) S. Shanthakumar, Director of Gujarat National Law University and Provost of Gujarat Maritime University, said the integration of AI-enabled VR tools marks a significant shift towards experiential and practice-oriented legal education. 

“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,” he said. 

Focus on innovation-driven learning

The launch of the AI-enabled VR Courtroom Simulation Programme underscores APM Terminals Pipavav’s continued commitment to institutional capacity building within Gujarat’s maritime and legal education ecosystem. 

The collaboration reflects a shared focus on innovation-driven learning and structured academic–industry partnerships aimed at building future-ready talent and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of India’s maritime sector.