Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, former Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai. According to an IMU notification dated 3 November 2026, he assumed charge on the forenoon of the same day.
The appointment was made by the President of India in her capacity as Visitor of the university, under Statute 2(1) of the Indian Maritime University Act. Akkaraju will serve for five years or until he turns 70, whichever comes first, as reported by India Seatrade News.
Who is Venkata Ramana Akkaraju?
Akkaraju brings long experience of running India’s major ports to the top post at the country’s central maritime university. According to a press release cited by The Hindu BusinessLine, his career includes:
- Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority
- Chairman, Cochin Port Authority, from 2016 to 2018
- Chairman, Goa Port Authority, during 2022-23
- Executive Chairman of Shree Tech Data Ltd, a Pune-based software company
He has published seven research papers in international journals and is regarded as a scholar in ports and shipping. His professional profile highlights port automation, operational transformation, sustainability and technology-led growth as his focus areas. He is also no stranger to IMU: his profile lists an earlier stint as Deputy Director with the Indian Maritime University and National Maritime Academy between 2007 and 2009.
Why the IMU appointment matters for maritime education
Headquartered in Chennai, IMU is a Central University under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, dedicated to maritime education, research and training. The new Vice-Chancellor takes over as India works to build skills and human resources for its growing shipping, port and logistics sectors.
His mix of port administration and software industry experience comes as maritime operations rely more on automation, digital port systems and data-driven logistics. Academic institutions are also stepping up maritime research, as seen when IIT Madras launched a new Maritime Research Facility earlier this year.
IMU has been led by administrators before. In 2020, former IAS officer Malini Shankar was appointed VC of the Indian Maritime University. The university itself started admitting students more than 15 years ago, when India’s first maritime university announced admissions.
The appointment adds to a run of leadership changes at Indian universities this season, including Professor Arun Patil’s appointment as Vice Chancellor of D Y Patil University.
Key takeaways
- Venkata Ramana Akkaraju is the new Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, Chennai.
- He took charge on 3 November 2026, for five years or until the age of 70.
- He has headed the New Mangalore, Cochin and Goa port authorities.
- He has also been Executive Chairman of a Pune-based software company.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new Vice-Chancellor of Indian Maritime University?
Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, former Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority, is the new Vice-Chancellor of IMU, Chennai.
When did Venkata Ramana Akkaraju take charge at IMU?
He assumed charge as Vice-Chancellor on the forenoon of 3 November 2026, according to an IMU notification.
Who appoints the Vice-Chancellor of Indian Maritime University?
The President of India appoints the Vice-Chancellor as Visitor of the university, under Statute 2(1) of the Indian Maritime University Act.
0 Comments
Sign in or create an account to join the discussion.