The “Sideris GS”
ATHENS, GREECE, June 7, 2017 – Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX) (the “Company”), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has agreed to extend and increase the time charter rate of the present time charter contract with Rio Tinto Shipping (Asia) Pte., Ltd., Singapore, for one of its Capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v Sideris GS, for a period of minimum thirteen (13) months to maximum seventeen (17) months. The new gross charter rate is US$13,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties. The new charter period is expected to commence on June 20, 2017. The m/v Sideris GS is currently chartered, as previously announced, at a gross charter rate of US$6,500 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties.
The “Sideris GS” is a 174,186 dwt Capesize dry bulk vessel built in 2006.
The employment extension of “Sideris GS” is anticipated to generate approximately US$5.07 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.
Diana Shipping Inc.’s fleet currently consists of 51 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 5 Post-Panamax, 5 Kamsarmax and 23 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Company’s fleet is approximately 5.9 million dwt with a weighted average age of 7.85 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Company’s website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this press release.
About the Company
Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Company’s vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.
