Former NMPA chairman Akkaraju takes charge as Indian Maritime University Vice-Chancellor

Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, former chairman of New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), assumed office as Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai on 3 November 2026, bringing experience in port administration and maritime management to the institution.

The President of India, in her capacity as Visitor of the university, appointed Akkaraju for five years or until he reaches the age of 70, whichever is earlier. An IMU notification dated 3 November confirmed that he took charge that morning.

What does the appointment cover?

The appointment was made under Statute 2(1) of the Indian Maritime University Act. IMU’s administrative circulars register lists the notification, while its headquarters directory now identifies Akkaraju as Vice-Chancellor.

He takes responsibility for a Central University under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with a mandate covering maritime education, training and research. The institution serves both seagoing professions and shore-based industries, including ports, shipping management, logistics, ship design and marine engineering.

IMU operates as a teaching and affiliating university, combining programmes delivered through its own campuses with those offered by affiliated institutions. Its academic responsibilities therefore extend across several parts of India’s maritime training system.

What experience does Akkaraju bring?

Akkaraju’s recent public-sector career includes leadership of New Mangalore Port Authority, Karnataka’s only major port. The port’s official historical record lists his chairmanship from 11 June 2019 to 30 November 2025.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways had approved a second term beginning on 11 June 2024, continuing until his superannuation on 30 November 2025. This provides the official chronology of his tenure at the port.

His professional background also includes an earlier assignment as Deputy Director with IMU and the National Maritime Academy between 2007 and 2009. His reported areas of work include port automation, operational improvement, sustainability and technology adoption.

Beyond port administration, Akkaraju has served as executive chairman of Pune-based software company Shree Tech Data Ltd. His profile also records seven research papers published in international journals.

How is Indian Maritime University structured?

IMU was established on 14 November 2008 through an Act of Parliament, bringing together seven existing maritime institutions. Headquartered in Chennai, it provides a common institutional framework for maritime teaching, professional training and research.

The university has six campuses: Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. Its four schools cover marine engineering and technology, nautical studies, naval architecture and ocean engineering, and maritime management.

This structure spans vessel operations, engineering, shipbuilding and the commercial organisation of maritime transport. Alongside undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the university offers doctoral and research programmes.

Which industry skills do its programmes address?

IMU’s engineering courses include marine technology, naval architecture and ocean engineering, and dredging and harbour engineering. Its management portfolio includes postgraduate programmes in port and shipping management and international transportation and logistics management.

The university also lists a postgraduate diploma in maritime sustainability and an online maritime management programme, reflecting an academic remit extending beyond traditional shipboard disciplines.

At Visakhapatnam, for example, programmes combine naval architecture and ocean engineering with dredging, harbour engineering and logistics management. The campus illustrates the university’s role in preparing professionals for both marine technical work and the movement of trade through ports and transport networks.

Akkaraju’s appointment places an administrator with operational port experience at the head of this national maritime education network.