Indian Maritime University Appoints Venkata Ramana Akkaraju as Vice-Chancellor

Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju assumed charge as Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University (IMU), headquartered in Chennai, on 3 November 2026. The President of India, as Visitor of the University, appointed him under Statute 2(1) of the Indian Maritime University Act. His term is five years or until he reaches 70, whichever comes earlier.

Maritime-sector experience

Akkaraju was Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority from June 2019 to November 2025. He also served as Chairman of the Cochin Port Authority from 2016 to 2018 and the Goa Port Authority from 2022 to 2023. From 2007 to 2009, he was Deputy Director at IMU and the National Maritime Academy.

The University aims under his leadership to strengthen academic excellence, innovation, industry collaboration and research-driven development. His experience includes port administration, maritime operations and management.

Important Facts for Exams

• Institutional consolidation: IMU brought seven teaching and research institutes formerly under the Ministry of Shipping into one university structure in 2008.
• Academic remit: IMU’s national remit covers maritime education, commercial shipping, marine engineering and maritime administration.
• Campus network: IMU has six campuses across Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai and Visakhapatnam.