Diana Shipping Takes Delivery of Bulk Carrier

Diana Shipping Inc. took delivery of the newly-built Semirio, a 174,261 dwt Capesize dry bulk carrier, built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. As previously announced, the company has entered into a time charter contract with BHP Billiton Marketing AG for the Semirio for a four-year period with one year extension at the charterer's option. For the first two years of the charter the gross daily charter hire rate will be $51,000 and during the third and fourth years of the charter will be $31,000. The charterer has the option to employ the vessel for a further 11-13 month period at a daily charter rate of $48,500. The charter commenced today. During the initial two years, this employment is expected to generate gross revenues of approximately $35.7 million and is expected to generate gross revenues of $21.7 million during the third and fourth years, amounting to a total of $57.4 million. If the charterer exercises its option for the fifth year, the charter is expected to generate aggregate gross revenues of approximately $74 million over the entire period.