Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways • Govt. of India

Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju

Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India. A senior maritime leader with deep experience in port administration, policy execution, automation, operational transformation, sustainability, and technology-led growth.

Present Post: Chairman, NMPA
From: 11 June 2019
Also Member: Karnataka Maritime Board
Domain: Ports • Shipping • Automation
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Driving the Future of Indian Ports
Technology & Automation in Action
About

Leadership Profile

A distinguished maritime administrator with decades of service across major Indian ports, combining engineering depth, institutional leadership, and a strong focus on digital transformation.

Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority

Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju is serving as Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India. He has held senior leadership roles across multiple major port institutions and has consistently driven operational excellence, modernization, sustainability, and technology adoption.

His leadership has focused on implementing Government policies while addressing local trade, labour, and operational challenges with a clear emphasis on making ports more eco-friendly, trade-friendly, EXIM-friendly, and digitally enabled.

He has also been actively involved in automation of Indian major ports, delivered guest lectures at premier institutions such as IIT Madras, NITTE, NITK, and Srinivas University, and participated in various national and international maritime seminars.

Email

chairman@nmpt.gov.in

Address

Ranganayakula Pet, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, 524001

Retirement Date

30-11-2025

35+

Years of continuous regular service in engineering, port administration, and maritime leadership.

6+

Years as Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority from June 2019 onward.

14+

Honours, awards, and recognitions for leadership, green initiatives, and operational excellence.

7+

Research papers and conference presentations focused on digital twins, automation, and port transformation.

Experience

Professional Journey

Major roles held across leading Indian maritime institutions and port authorities.

New Mangalore Port Authority

Chairman
11 June 2019 – 30 November 2025

Implemented Government policies while overcoming local challenges from trade and unions. Prioritized technology adoption to make the port eco-friendly, trade-friendly, and EXIM-friendly. Achieved best operating ratio consistently for the last two financial years.

Mormugao Port Authority

Chairman (Additional Charge)
06 March 2022 – 04 February 2023

Drove growth by improving existing facilities to align with market trends. Focused on cruise tourism, mechanized berths through PPP, and introduced heli taxi and water taxi services.

Cochin Port Trust

Chairman In Charge
06 November 2018 – 30 October 2018 / 08 August 2016 – 26 March 2017

Replaced outdated practices with best practices to withstand competition. Set objectives for consistent growth with reduced cost, improved facilities, and technology adoption aligned with global trends.

Cochin Port Trust

Deputy Chairman
08 August 2016 – 11 June 2019

Ensured industrial harmony, developed long-term and short-term strategies, and prepared the roadmap to transform the port into a smart and mega port with effective coordination across agencies.

Kolkata Port Trust

Chief Mechanical Engineer
2012 – 2016

Led port dock machinery operations, maintenance, and container handling mechanization projects.

Visakhapatnam Port Trust

Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer
2011 – 2012

Managed Inner Harbour, OSOT, LPG Terminal, Dry Docks, and electrical network operations.

Indian Ports Association

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
18 November 2009 – 12 April 2011

Managed establishment and finance functions. Assisted in matters related to port policy framing, anomalies, and BWNC.

Indian Maritime University / National Maritime Academy

Deputy Director
25 June 2007 – 17 November 2009

Led the Engineering Cell, coordinated with multiple Government agencies for land acquisition, transfer, environment clearance, CRZ clearance, and DPR updates.

Mumbai Port Trust

Senior Executive Engineer / Executive Engineering Roles
31 October 1990 – 24 June 2007

Served for 16 years 7 months in multiple engineering leadership roles with extensive operational and mechanical exposure.

Education

Academic Qualifications

Strong academic background in mechanical engineering, maritime management, and transport systems.

BE Mechanical

Nagarjuna University

  • Year: 1988
  • Class: First Class

ME Mechanical

BITS Pilani

  • Year: 1990
  • Class: First Class

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Sciences

  • Year: 2020
  • Class: First Class

Diploma in Multi Modal Transport

Institute of Rail Transport

  • Year: 1996
  • Class: First Class

Post Graduate Diploma in Port & Shipping Management

National Institute of Port Management, Madras

  • Year: 1992
  • Class: Second Class

Doctoral Topic

Dynamic Load Analysis & Optimization for Crankshaft in Shipping

Publications

Research Papers & Publications

Publications and conference contributions focused on port automation, digital twins, logistics modernization, and engineering systems.

Journal Publication • 2020

Dynamic Load Analyzing and Optimization of Crankshaft

Authors: Akkaraju Venkata Ramana, Dr. G. R. Raghav
Journal of Critical Reviews, Vol. 7, Issue 15.

Journal Publication • May–June 2020

Crankshaft Optimization and Dynamic Load Analyzing

Authors: Akkaraju Venkata Ramana, Dr. G. R. Raghav
IJEST – International Journal of Engineering Science & Technology.

Journal Publication • November 2025

Redefining Maritime Logistics: Leveraging Digital Twin-Based Auto-Pilotage for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency in Indian Ports

Author: Venkata Ramana Akkaraju
IJIRT – International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology, Vol. 12, Issue 6.

Journal Publication • Oct–Dec 2025

Overcoming Operational Bottlenecks: A Quantitative Analysis of the Benefits of Digital Weighbridge Integration with PCS 1X and Sagar Setu

Author: Venkata Ramana Akkaraju
IRJEAS – International Research Journal of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Vol. 13, Issue 4.

Journal Publication • December 2025

The Strategic Imperative of Automated Weighbridges in Indian Ports: A Case Study of New Mangalore Port’s Digital Transformation

Author: Venkata Ramana Akkaraju
IJCRT – International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, Vol. 13, Issue 12.

Journal Publication • January 2026

Green Tugs and Decarbonization at Indian Ports under MoPSW

Author: Venkata Ramana Akkaraju
International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods, Vol. 14, Issue 1.

Journal Publication • March 2026

Cognitive Infrastructure Modeling for Self-Optimizing Data Centers: A Systems Intelligence Framework

Author: Dr. Akkaraju Venkata Ramana
IJESTI – International Journal of Engineering, Science, Technology and Innovation, Vol. 6, Issue 3.

Conference Papers

National & International Presentations

Selected themes presented through engineering, logistics, sustainability, and maritime digitization forums.

From Manual to Autonomous: A Phased Implementation Roadmap for Digital Twin Adoption in Indian Ports Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2047

IARF – National Conference on Engineering, Science, Management, Arts and Humanities (NCESMAH-2021), 31 October 2021.

The Human Factor in Port Digitization: The Need for Workforce Reskilling and Simulation-Based Training for a Future-Ready Maritime Workforce

IASRD – National Conference on Innovations in Science, Engineering, Technology and Humanities (NCISETH-2023), 30 July 2023.

Accelerating India’s Maritime Vision 2047 – The Role of Digitalization in Transforming Port Gate-Side Operations

IAIR – National Conference on Latest Innovations in Engineering, Science, Management and Humanities (NCLIESMH2024), 26 May 2024.

Technological Synergy: Exploring the Convergence of RFID, ANPR, and IoT in Automated Weighbridge Systems for Enhanced Port Security and Efficiency

IJRPB – International Conference on Recent Trends in Engineering, Science, Arts & Humanities (ICRTESAH-2022), 30 January 2022.

Simulation as a Strategic Tool: How Digital Twins Can Mitigate Climate Risk and Support Green Mandates in Indian Port Operations

IJAMSR – International Conference on Latest Trends in Engineering, Management, Humanities, Science & Technology (ICLTEMHST-2022), 27 November 2022.

Overcoming Operational Bottlenecks: A Quantitative Analysis of the Benefits of Digital Weighbridge Integration with PCS 1x and Sagar Setu

IRJEAS – International Research Journal of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Vol 13 Issue 4, Oct 2025 – Dec 2025.

Awards

Honours, Awards & Fellowships

Recognitions received for leadership, sustainability, official language implementation, port performance, and national contribution.

CEO of the Year – National Awards for Excellence in Ports & Shipping

World HRD Congress • 2025

Official Language Shield Scheme – 1st Place

Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI • 2025

Outstanding Achievement in Implementation of Official Language – 3rd Place

TOLIC, Mangalore • 2025

Second Best Container Port, Handling Less Than 0.5 MMT TEUs

Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI • 2024

Outstanding Achievement in Implementation of Official Language – 2nd Place

TOLIC, Mangalore • 2024

Greentech Award – Gold Category

Greentech Foundation • 2024

Greentech Award – Gold Category

Greentech Foundation • 2023

Sagar Shreshtha Samman Award for 3rd Best Overall Performance Among Major Ports (FY 2022–23)

Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI • 2023

Outstanding Achievement in Implementation of Official Language – 3rd Place

TOLIC, Mangalore • 2023

Outstanding Achievement in Implementation of Official Language – 2nd Place

TOLIC, Mangalore • 2022

Outstanding Achievement in Implementation of Official Language – 1st Place

TOLIC, Mangalore • 2021

Immense Contribution as Chairman of New Mangalore Port Trust by Partnering in Nation Building

NAMMA KUDLA – Business Tonic • 2021

Greentech Award – Gold Category

Greentech Foundation • 2019

Swachha Survekshan

Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI • 2019

Media & Events

Felicitations & Public Engagements

Special moments from public recognition, civic felicitation, and institutional events.

Felicitation by Mangalore citizens

Felicitation by Mangalore Citizens

On 19th October, Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju was felicitated by Mangalore Citizens at the hands of Shri. Vedvyas Kamath, MLA, for his contribution to Mangalore City and NMPA.

Public felicitation event stage

Public Address & Recognition

A formal civic recognition event highlighting leadership contributions, public service, and commitment to maritime and regional development.

Ceremonial honour moment

Ceremonial Honour

A memorable moment of honouring Dr. Akkaraju during the felicitation ceremony in recognition of his contribution to Mangalore and port development.

Speaking at Indian ports event

Driving the Future of Indian Ports

Speaking at a major event on “Technology & Automation in Action,” reflecting his continued advocacy for modernization, digital systems, and future-ready maritime infrastructure.

Videos

YouTube & Media Links

Featured public video links related to live interaction and public visibility.

YouTube Live Session

Public live video link shared for event and audience engagement.

Watch on YouTube

YouTube Video

Publicly shared video reference for visibility, media outreach, or event coverage.

Watch on YouTube
Additional Information

Professional Highlights

Key points reflecting academic, technical, and institutional contribution.

Academic & Technical Contributions

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering on Dynamic Load Analysis & Optimization for Crankshaft in Shipping.
  • Attended various national and international seminars related to the maritime sector.
  • Delivered free guest lectures at IIT Madras, NITTE, NITK, and Srinivas University.

Transformation & Automation

  • Actively involved in automation of Indian major ports.
  • Focused on digital transformation, weighbridge integration, digital twins, and operational modernization.
  • Strong emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and technology-enabled governance.
Contact

Get In Touch

Connect for official communication, professional interaction, institutional discussions, or public engagement.

Contact Information

For professional communication and official correspondence, use the details below.

Full Name

Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju

Designation

Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Govt. of India

Email

chairman@nmpt.gov.in

Address

Ranganayakula Pet, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, 524001

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