KOCHI: A landmark book examining the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and maritime jurisprudence, Artificial Intelligence and Maritime Law: From Dock to Deep Sea, authored by senior lawyer V.J. Mathew and legal researcher Agustho Norbet, was released in Kochi by Justice Dr. A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar, Judge of the High Court of Kerala. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V., also a High Court Judge, received the first copy at the function, presided over by Kerala Advocate General Adv. K. Jaju Babu.
The 360-page, 15-chapter treatise, published under the auspices of V.J. Mathew & Co., International Law Firm, explores the legal and regulatory challenges emerging from the growing use of AI and autonomous technologies in the maritime sector. It features forewords by former Attorney General of India K.K. Venugopal and Gujarat Maritime University and Gujarat National Law University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. S. Shanthakumar.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice Dr. A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar highlighted the need to rethink existing legal frameworks in response to rapid advances in artificial intelligence. Cautioning against uncritical dependence on automated systems, he stressed that technological accuracy cannot replace human judgment and ethical considerations.
Receiving the first copy, Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. drew attention to the emerging challenges of evidence, accountability and liability in the era of autonomous shipping. He observed that existing maritime conventions largely presume human control of vessels and that the legal fraternity must prepare for a future in which evidence and decision-making increasingly involve AI-driven systems. He also highlighted the growing threat of cyberattacks on ships and the potential of AI to enhance maritime safety.
Presiding over the function, Advocate General K. Jaju Babu described the book as a timely contribution, noting that maritime trade is entering a transformative era in which robotic and AI-powered autonomous vessels could redefine seafaring.
The event was attended by former High Court Judge Justice A.M. Shaffique, former Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited Managing Director and CEO Dr. Jayakumar, former Director General of Police K. Padmakumar IPS, Rev. Fr. Austin Mulerickal, Kerala High Court Senior Advocates’ Association President Advocate N. Nandakumara Menon, Kerala Steamer Agents Association President Varghese K. George, and several senior advocates and maritime industry representatives.
Expressing gratitude, Snr. Adv. V.J. Mathew said the book was an effort to address the widening gap between technological advancements and existing legal frameworks in the maritime sector. He acknowledged the support of his colleagues, family and friends in completing the research-intensive work and expressed his commitment to further contributions to maritime legal scholarship.
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