Diana Shipping Inc. Announces Time Charter Contract for m/v Philadelphia With NYK Line
Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX) has entered into a time charter contract with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, for one of its Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Philadelphia, at a gross charter rate of US$22,500 for a period until minimum April 20, 2025 up to maximum July 20, 2025. The employment of 'Philadelphia' is anticipated to generate approximately US$9.79 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter. The company's fleet will consist of 39 dry bulk vessels upon completion of the previously announced sale of m/v Artemis, with a combined carrying capacity of approximately 4.5 million dwt and a weighted average age of 10.62 years.
The recent time charter contract between Diana Shipping Inc. and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha represents a strategic move for Diana Shipping in securing stable revenue streams amid the volatile shipping industry. The agreed gross charter rate of US$22,500 , after a 5% commission, for a period extending up to July 2025, provides Diana Shipping with a predictable income for the duration of the charter. The generation of approximately US$9.79 million in gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period underlines the significance of this contract.
It is crucial to note that the dry bulk shipping sector is deeply affected by global economic conditions, including demand for commodities and fuel prices. A fixed time charter contract helps mitigate the risks associated with market fluctuations. The Newcastlemax dry bulk vessel , the m/v Philadelphia, is a sizable asset and its employment through this contract ensures better utilization and contributes to the company's bottom line. The fleet composition after the sale of m/v Artemis indicates a diversified portfolio, which is beneficial for risk management.
The financial implications of this charter agreement for Diana Shipping can be dissected by examining the projected revenue against the backdrop of the company's fleet operations. The announcement mentions a fleet of 39 dry bulk vessels post-sale of m/v Artemis, with a combined carrying capacity of approximately 4.5 million dwt and a weighted average age of 10.62 years. Investors should consider the age and efficiency of the fleet, as these factors can influence operating costs and depreciation.
The vessel's charter rate and the minimum revenue projection provide tangible figures that can be factored into financial forecasts and valuation models. When analyzing Diana Shipping's stock, one should consider the stability this contract brings to future earnings, which could be a positive signal to the market. However, investors must also weigh this against the overall health of the global shipping industry and the potential impact of economic downturns on cargo volumes.
The time charter contract for the m/v Philadelphia with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha highlights Diana Shipping's positioning within the Newcastlemax dry bulk segment . Newcastlemax vessels, typically used for carrying coal and iron ore, are in demand for long-haul routes from Australia to Asia. The vessel's size and capabilities are well-suited for these trades and securing a charter with a reputable entity like Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha is a testament to Diana Shipping's operational capabilities.
The contract's term, extending to at least April 2025, offers Diana Shipping insulation against short-term market dips. However, the company must remain vigilant regarding long-term industry trends, such as the shift towards greener shipping solutions and potential regulatory changes that could affect vessel operations and profitability. The charter rate reflects current market conditions, but stakeholders should monitor industry benchmarks to ensure competitiveness.
02/01/2024 - 09:14 AM
ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), (the “Company”), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, for one of its Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Philadelphia. The gross charter rate is US$22,500 , minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period until minimum April 20, 2025 up to maximum July 20, 2025. The charter is expected to commence on February 5, 2024.
The “Philadelphia” is a 206,040 dwt Newcastlemax dry bulk vessel built in 2012.
The employment of “Philadelphia” is anticipated to generate approximately US$9.79 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.
Upon completion of the previously announced sale of m/v Artemis, Diana Shipping Inc.’s fleet will consist of 39 dry bulk vessels: 4 Newcastlemax, 9 Capesize, 5 Post-Panamax, 6 Kamsarmax, 6 Panamax and 9 Ultramax. As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Company’s fleet including the m/v Artemis, is approximately 4.5 million dwt with a weighted average age of 10.62 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 and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels. The Company’s vessels are employed primarily on short to medium-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.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.
The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “expect,” “pending” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, Company management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company’s records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Company’s control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.
In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Company’s view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in the Company’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Company’s vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, including risks associated with the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, including the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
What is the gross charter rate for the time charter contract with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha for the m/v Philadelphia?
The gross charter rate is US$22,500, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period until minimum April 20, 2025 up to maximum July 20, 2025.
How much gross revenue is anticipated to be generated by the employment of m/v Philadelphia?
The employment of 'Philadelphia' is anticipated to generate approximately US$9.79 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.
How many dry bulk vessels will be in Diana Shipping Inc.'s fleet after the sale of m/v Artemis?
Upon completion of the previously announced sale of m/v Artemis, Diana Shipping Inc.'s fleet will consist of 39 dry bulk vessels.
What is the combined carrying capacity of Diana Shipping Inc.'s fleet?
The combined carrying capacity of the company's fleet, including the m/v Artemis, is approximately 4.5 million dwt.
What is the weighted average age of Diana Shipping Inc.'s fleet?
The fleet has a weighted average age of 10.62 years.
