Venkata Ramana Akkaraju has taken charge as Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University in Chennai. A university notification dated November 3 records his appointment, and reports citing the notification say he assumed office that morning.
The university’s headquarters directory now lists Akkaraju as Vice-Chancellor. He was appointed by the President of India, acting as the university’s Visitor, for five years or until the age of 70, whichever comes first, according to India Seatrade News.
Akkaraju previously chaired the New Mangalore Port Authority. His experience in port administration and maritime management precedes his move to the central university, which functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Indian Maritime University’s work covers education, research and professional training for maritime industries. Its teaching and affiliated-institution network spans seagoing roles and shore-based fields, including ports, shipping management, logistics and marine engineering. The leadership change was also reported by Maritime Gateway, which noted his earlier work with IMU and the National Maritime Academy.
Archive illustration: Chennai harbour, photographed in 2009; this is not the university or the November 2026 appointment ceremony. Photo: Chennai Harbour Panorama by Murugesh S Alagan, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Display may be resized or cropped; any adaptation remains under the linked licence.
