As previously announced, the above mentioned vessels are Newcastlemax dry bulk carriers of approximately 206,000 dwt each that were contracted in April 2010. The charters are expected to commence upon delivery of the Los Angeles and the Philadelphia to the Company from the shipbuilding yard, which is expected to occur in February 2012 and in April 2012, respectively.
The time charter contracts of the two vessels are expected to generate approximately US$48.6 million of gross revenues for the minimum scheduled period of the charters.
Separately, the Company also announced today that it has completed the drawdown of US$15 million from a loan facility with Emporiki Bank of Greece S.A. through a wholly owned subsidiary. The purpose of this facility is to partly finance the acquisition cost of the m/v Arethusa which was delivered to the Company on July 7, 2011.
Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services. The Company specializes in transporting dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.