SEC Form 424B5 filed by Diana Shipping inc.

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-280693

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated September 9, 2024)

$200,000,000

Common Shares

This prospectus supplement relates to the issuance and sale of our common shares, par value $0.01 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $200,000,000, from time to time solely through Maxim Group LLC ("Maxim"), to whom we refer to herein as the sales agent, of which $5,504,806.40 was sold and $194,495,193.60 remain. Each common share sold in this offering includes a preferred stock purchase right that trades with the common share. These sales, if any, will be made pursuant to the terms of the amended Equity Distribution Agreement between us and the sales agent, dated April 23, 2021, as amended on July 9, 2021 and September 9, 2024 (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”).

Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE, under the symbol “DSX”.  On September 6, 2024, the last reported sales price of our common shares on the NYSE was $2.31 per share. 

Sales of common shares, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, may be made by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on the NYSE, in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be "at the market" offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), including sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

Investing in our common shares is speculative and involves significant risks. See "Risk Factors" section beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement, as well as the accompanying prospectus and the documents we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference herein for more information, before you make any investment in our common shares.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The transaction fee payable for sales of common shares will be 3.0% of the gross sales price of all common shares sold from time to time under the Equity Distribution Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Distribution Agreement. Maxim will use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf any common shares to be offered by us under the Equity Distribution Agreement. The net proceeds from any sales under this prospectus supplement will be used as described under "Use of Proceeds" in this prospectus supplement.

Maxim Group LLC

The date of this prospectus supplement is September 9, 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the base prospectus. The second part, the base prospectus, gives more general information about securities we may offer from time to time, some of which does not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer only to the prospectus, we are referring to both parts combined, and when we refer to the accompanying prospectus, we are referring to the base prospectus.

If the description of this offering varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated into each by reference include important information about us, our common shares being offered and other information you should know before investing. You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" before investing in our common shares.

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "dollars" and "$" in this prospectus supplement are to, and amounts presented in, United States dollars and financial information presented in this prospectus supplement that is derived from financial statements incorporated by reference is prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

We have authorized only the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We have not, and any sales agents have not, authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. We and the sales agent take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any information that others may give you. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, our common shares only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in or incorporated by reference in this document is accurate only as of the date such information was issued, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement or the date of any sale of our common shares.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the information we incorporate by reference, include "forward-looking statements," as defined by U.S. federal securities laws, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Words such as, but not limited to, "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "targets," "projects," "likely," "will," "would," "could" and similar expressions or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. The occurrence of the events described, and the achievement of the expected results, depend on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. Actual results may differ materially from expected results.

The forward-looking statements in this document are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in its records and other data available from third parties. Although Diana Shipping Inc. (the “Company”) believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

Such statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended. The Company is making investors aware that such forward-looking statements, because they relate to future events, are by their very nature subject to many important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated.

In addition to these important factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, important factors that, in its view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) the strength of world economies, (ii) fluctuations in currencies and interest rates, inflationary pressures, (iii) general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, (iv) changes in demand in the dry-bulk shipping industry, (v) changes in the supply of vessels, including when caused by new newbuilding vessel orders or changes to or terminations of existing orders, and vessel scrapping levels, (vi) changes in the Company’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, crew costs, drydocking and insurance costs, (vii) the Company’s future operating or financial results, (viii) availability of financing and refinancing and changes to the Company’s financial condition and liquidity, including the Company’s ability, to pay amounts that it owes and obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate activities and its ability to comply with the restrictions and other covenants in the Company’s financing arrangements, (ix) changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, (x) potential liability from pending or future litigation, (xi) compliance with governmental, tax, environmental and safety regulation, any non-compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) or other applicable regulations relating to bribery, (xii) the failure of counter parties to fully perform their contracts with the Company, (xiii) the Company’s dependence on key personnel, (xiv) adequacy of insurance coverage, (xv) the volatility of the price of the Company’s common shares, (xvi) the Company’s incorporation under the laws of the Marshall Islands and the different rights to relief that may be available compared to other countries, including the United States, (xvii) general domestic and international political conditions or labor disruptions, (xviii) the impact of port or canal congestion or disruptions, (xix) any continuing impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the dry-bulk shipping industry, (xxi) potential physical disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, climate-related reasons (acute and chronic), political events, public health threats, international hostilities and instability such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine and military actions in the Middle East, piracy or acts by terrorists, and (xxi) other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE.

We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses formed by applying our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. All future written and verbal forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We undertake no obligation, and specifically decline any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus supplement might not occur.

See the section entitled "Risk Factors," on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement, on page 7 of the accompanying prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 5, 2024 (the “2023 Annual Report”), and incorporated by reference herein, for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties and for other risks and uncertainties. These factors and the other risk factors described in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, there can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary provides an overview of our company and our business. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information you should consider before purchasing our securities. You should carefully read all of the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and any accompanying prospectus, including the "Risk Factors" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes contained herein and therein, before making an investment decision. Unless we specify otherwise, all references in this prospectus to "we," "our," "us," "Diana" and the "Company" refer to Diana Shipping Inc. We use the term deadweight, or "dwt," in describing the size of our Vessel. Dwt, expressed in metric tons each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, refers to the maximum weight of cargo and supplies that a vessel can carry.

Our Company

We are a global provider of shipping transportation services through our ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels. Each of our vessels is owned through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary. Our 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.

Our Fleet

Our fleet is currently comprised of 38 dry bulk carriers excluding the two methanol dual fuel new-building Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, not yet delivered. The following table summarizes key information about our fleet as of the date of this prospectus supplement

Ship Management

The commercial and technical management of our fleet, owned and bareboat chartered-in, as well as the provision of administrative services relating to the fleet’s operations, are carried out by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Diana Shipping Services S.A., which we refer to as DSS, and Diana Wilhelmsen Management Limited, a 50/50 joint venture with Wilhelmsen Ship Management, which we refer to as DWM. In exchange for providing us with commercial and technical services, personnel and office space, we pay DSS a commission, which is a percentage of the managed vessels’ gross revenues, a fixed monthly fee per managed vessel and an additional monthly fee for the administrative services provided to Diana Shipping Inc. Such services may include budgeting, reporting, monitoring of bank accounts, compliance with banks, payroll services and any other possible service that Diana Shipping Inc. would require to perform its operations. Similarly, in exchange for providing us with commercial and technical services, we pay to DWM a commission which is a percentage of the managed vessels’ gross revenues and a fixed management monthly fee for each managed vessel.

Since June 1, 2010, Steamship Shipbroking Enterprises Inc., or Steamship, a related party controlled by our Chief Executive Officer, provides brokerage services to us. The terms of this relationship are currently governed by a Brokerage Services Agreement dated February 23, 2024.

Corporate Information

Diana Shipping Inc. is a holding company incorporated under the laws of Liberia in March 1999 as Diana Shipping Investments Corp., and was re-domiciled from the Republic of Liberia to the Republic of the Marshall Islands in February 2005.  Our executive offices are located at Pendelis 16, 175 64 Palaio Faliro, Athens, Greece. Our telephone number at this address is +30-210-9470-100.

THE OFFERING

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(1) Under our Articles of Incorporation, our authorized share capital consists of 1,000,000,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk.  Before making an investment in our securities, you should carefully consider all of the information included in this prospectus supplement, the risk factors and all of the other information included in the base prospectus, and any other prospectus supplement and the documents that have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the base prospectus, and any other prospectus supplement, including those in "Item 3—Key Information—D. Risk Factors" in our 2023 Annual Report, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference herein. Please see the section of this prospectus supplement entitled "Where You Can Find Additional Information—Information Incorporated by Reference." The occurrence of one or more of those risk factors could adversely impact our business, results of operations or financial condition. When we offer and sell any securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to such securities in the prospectus supplement.

Risks Related to this Offering

It is not possible to predict the actual number of common shares we will sell under the Equity Distribution Agreement, or the gross proceeds resulting from those sales.

Subject to certain limitations in the Equity Distribution Agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver a placement notice to Maxim at any time throughout the term of the Equity Distribution Agreement. The number of common shares that are sold through Maxim will fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the market price of the common shares during the sales period, the limits we set with Maxim in any applicable placement notice, and the demand for our common shares during the sales period. Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate during the sales period, it is not possible to predict the number of shares that will be sold or the gross proceeds we will raise in connection with those sales. However, we may sell a substantial number of common shares in this offering. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that subsequent market sales of those common shares or the availability of those common shares for sale will have on the market price of our common shares. 

You may experience immediate dilution in the net tangible book value per common share that you purchase.

The price per common share offered hereunder may be higher than our net tangible book value per common share prior to your purchase. In such event, you may suffer immediate dilution in an amount representing the difference between our net tangible book value per common share after giving effect to this offering and the purchase price per common share that you pay in the offering.

Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.

Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, and our shareholders will not have the opportunity as part of their investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement for a description of our proposed use of proceeds from this offering.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The net proceeds of this offering will be used for general corporate purposes. We expect that the net proceeds of this offering will be approximately $188.7 million, after deducting estimated commissions.

We cannot assure you that we will use the proceeds of this offering for the stated purposes and we may use the net proceeds for other purposes with which you do not agree.

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2023:

You should read the information below together with the sections of this prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus entitled “Use of Proceeds” and “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our 2023 Annual Report, as well as the financial statements and related notes which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

You should carefully read the discussion of the material Marshall Islands and U.S. federal income tax considerations associated with our operations and the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares set forth in the section entitled "Taxation" of the 2023 Annual Report and incorporated by reference herein.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Maxim Group LLC pursuant to which we may issue and sell up to an aggregate of $200,000,000 of our common shares from time to time solely through Maxim Group LLC acting as sales agent, of which $5,504,806.40 was sold and $194,495,193.60 remain. A copy of the Equity Distribution Agreement will be filed as an exhibit to a Report on Form 6-K and incorporated by reference herein. Our common shares registered under this prospectus supplement are subject to sale under such agreement.

Upon delivery of a placement notice and subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Distribution Agreement, Maxim Group LLC may sell our common shares by any method permitted by law deemed to be an "at-the-market" offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE, on any other existing trading market for our common shares or to or through a market maker. Maxim Group LLC may also sell our common shares by any other method permitted by law, including in privately negotiated transactions. We or Maxim Group LLC may terminate the Equity Distribution Agreement and the offering of our common shares upon notice.

The transaction fee payable for sales of common shares will be 3.0% of the gross sales price of all common shares sold from time to time under the Equity Distribution Agreement, such fee being subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Distribution Agreement. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. We have reimbursed Maxim Group LLC upon request for its reasonable costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this offering for in the amount of $50,000, which includes fees and disbursements of its legal counsel. Additionally, we have agreed to reimburse Maxim Group LLC $5,000 for its legal fees on each bringdown date (as defined in the Equity Distribution Agreement) while this offering is open.

Settlement for sales of common shares will occur on the first business day following the date on which any sales are made, or on some other date that is agreed upon by us and Maxim Group LLC in connection with a particular transaction, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement. Sales of our common shares as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and Maxim Group LLC may agree upon.

Maxim Group LLC will act as sales agent on a commercially reasonable efforts basis consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations and the rules of the NYSE. In connection with the sale of the common shares on our behalf, Maxim Group LLC will be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of Maxim Group LLC will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to Maxim Group LLC against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

The offering of our common shares pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of the (i) sale of all of our common shares provided for in this prospectus supplement, or (ii) termination of the Equity Distribution Agreement as permitted therein. We may terminate the Equity Distribution Agreement with five days of prior written notice. Maxim Group LLC may terminate the Equity Distribution Agreement at any time upon written notice.

Maxim Group LLC and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees. To the extent required by Regulation M, Maxim Group LLC will not engage in any market making activities involving our common shares while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus supplement.

This prospectus supplement in electronic format may be made available on a web site maintained by Maxim Group LLC and Maxim Group LLC may distribute this prospectus supplement electronically.

OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

We estimate the expenses in connection with the distribution of our common shares in this offering, other than underwriting discounts, will be as set forth in the table below.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the common shares offered hereby and other matters relating to Marshall Islands and United States law will be passed upon for us by Seward & Kissel LLP, One Battery Park Plaza, New York, New York 10004. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, New York, New York, is representing the sales agent in this offering.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

As required by the Securities Act, we filed a registration statement relating to the securities offered by this prospectus with the SEC. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement, which includes additional information.

Government Filings

We file annual and special reports with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.

This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC and do not contain all of the information in the registration statement. The full registration statement may be obtained from the SEC or us, as indicated below. Forms of the indenture and other documents establishing the terms of the offered securities are filed as exhibits to the registration statement. Statements in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement about these documents are summaries and each statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters. You may inspect a copy of the registration statement through the SEC's website.

Information Incorporated by Reference

The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those filed documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC prior to the termination of this offering will also be considered to be part of this prospectus and will automatically update and supersede previously filed information, including information contained in this document.

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below:

	•	Our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Commission on April 5, 2024, which contains our audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent fiscal year for which those statements have been filed;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on April 5, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on April 11, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on April 18, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on April 25, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on April 29, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on May 22, 2024;
	•	Our Reports on Form 6-K and Form 6-K, both furnished to the Commission on May 28, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on June 3, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on June 4, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on June 11, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on June 14, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, funished to the Commission on June 18, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on June 20, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on June 21, 2024;
	•	Our Reports on Form 6-K and Form 6-K, both furnished to the Commission on July 8, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on July 11, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Comission on July 24, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on July 26, 2024;
	•	Our Reports on Form 6-K and Form 6-K, both furnished to the Commission on July 31, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on August 13, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on August 27, 2024;
	•	Our Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on August 29, 2024;

We are also incorporating by reference all subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F that we file with the SEC and certain reports on Form 6-K that we furnish to the SEC after the date of this prospectus (if they state that they are incorporated by reference into this prospectus) until we file a post-effective amendment indicating that the offering of the securities made by this prospectus has been terminated. In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and subsequent filings. We have not, and any underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement as well as the information we previously filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the dates on the front cover of those documents only. Our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

You may request a free copy of the above mentioned filings or any subsequent filing we incorporated by reference to this prospectus by oral or written request to the following address:

Diana Shipping Inc.

Attn: Ioannis Zafirakis

Pendelis 16, 175 64

Palaio Faliro

Athens, Greece

+ 30-210-9470-100

www.dianashippinginc.com

Information provided by the Company

We will furnish holders of our common shares with annual reports containing audited financial statements and a report by our independent registered public accounting firm. The audited financial statements will be prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles and those reports will include a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section for the relevant periods. As a "foreign private issuer," we are exempt from the rules under the Securities Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders. While we intend to furnish proxy statements to any shareholder in accordance with the rules of the NYSE, those proxy statements are not expected to conform to Schedule 14A of the proxy rules promulgated under the Exchange Act. In addition, as a "foreign private issuer," we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act relating to short swing profit reporting and liability.

Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

PROSPECTUS

$499,885,000

Common Stock, Preferred Stock Purchase Rights, Preferred Stock,
Debt Securities, Warrants, Purchase Contracts, Rights and Units

Through this prospectus, we may periodically offer:

(1) our common stock (including related preferred stock purchase rights),

(2) our preferred stock,

(3) our debt securities,

(4) our warrants,

(5) our purchase contracts,

(6) our rights, and

(7) our units.

We may also offer securities of the types listed above that are convertible or exchangeable into one or more of the securities listed above.

The aggregate offering price of all securities issued and sold under this prospectus may not exceed $499,885,000. The securities issued and sold under this prospectus may be offered directly or through underwriters, agents or dealers. The names of any underwriters, agents or dealers will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prices and other terms of the securities issued and sold under this prospectus will be determined at the time of their offering and will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol “DSX.” Our Series B Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DSXPRB.” Our Warrants to Purchase Common Stock, expiring on or about December 14, 2026, is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DSX WS.”

An investment in the securities offered hereby involves risks. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” on page 7 of this prospectus, and other risk factors contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is September 9, 2024.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission, using the shelf registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may sell, from time to time, our common stock (including related preferred stock purchase rights), preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts, rights and units described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $499,885,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you with a supplement to this prospectus that will describe the specific information about the securities being offered and the specific terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the prospectus supplement. Before purchasing any securities, you should read carefully both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described below.

This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are part of a registration statement that we filed with the Commission and do not contain all the information in the registration statement. Forms of the indentures and other documents establishing the terms of the offered securities are filed as exhibits to the registration statement. Statements in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement about these documents are summaries and each statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters. For further information about us or the securities offered hereby, you should refer to the registration statement, which you can obtain from the Commission as described below under the section entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We will not make any offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and the applicable supplement to this prospectus is accurate as of the date on its respective cover, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

Unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Diana Shipping Inc. and its subsidiaries. We use the term deadweight tons, or dwt, expressed in metric tons, each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, in describing the size of our vessels. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to currency amounts in this prospectus are in U.S. dollars. We prepare our financial statements, including all of the financial statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in U.S. dollars and in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. We have a fiscal year end of December 31.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, including the information we incorporate by reference, include "forward-looking statements," as defined by U.S. federal securities laws, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Words such as, but not limited to, "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "targets," "projects," "likely," "will," "would," "could" and similar expressions or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. The occurrence of the events described, and the achievement of the expected results, depend on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. Actual results may differ materially from expected results.

The forward-looking statements in this document are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in its 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 which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

Such statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended. The Company is making investors aware that such forward-looking statements, because they relate to future events, are by their very nature subject to many important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated.

In addition to these important factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, important factors that, in its view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) the strength of world economies, (ii) fluctuations in currencies, interest rates and inflationary pressures, (iii) general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, (iv) changes in demand in the dry-bulk shipping industry, (v) changes in the supply of vessels, including when caused by new newbuilding vessel orders or changes to or terminations of existing orders, and vessel scrapping levels, (vi) changes in the Company's operating expenses, including bunker prices, crew costs, drydocking and insurance costs, (vii) the Company’s future operating or financial results, (viii) availability of financing and refinancing and changes to the Company’s financial condition and liquidity, including the Company’s ability to pay amounts that it owes and obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate activities and the Company’s ability to obtain financing and comply with the restrictions and other covenants in the Company’s financing arrangements, (ix) changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, (x) potential liability from pending or future litigation, (xi) compliance with governmental, tax, environmental and safety regulation, any non-compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) or other applicable regulations relating to bribery, (xii) the failure of counter parties to fully perform their contracts with the Company, (xiii) the Company’s dependence on key personnel, (xiv) adequacy of insurance coverage, (xv) the volatility of the price of the Company’s common stock, (xvi) the Company’s incorporation under the laws of the Marshall Islands and the different rights to relief that may be available compared to other countries, including the United States, (xvii) general domestic and international political conditions or labor disruptions, (xviii) acts by terrorists or acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels, (xix) any continuing impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) or other global or regional pandemics and its impact in the dry-bulk shipping industry, (xx) potential physical disruption of shipping routes due to accidents climate-related reasons (acute and chronic), political events public health threats, international hostilities and instability, piracy or acts by terrorists, and (xxi) other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE.

We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses formed by applying our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. All future written and verbal forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We undertake no obligation, and specifically decline any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus might not occur.

See the section entitled "Risk Factors," on page 7 of this prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 5, 2024 (the “Annual Report”), and incorporated by reference herein, for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties. These factors and the other risk factors described in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, there can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and our other filings with the SEC listed in the section of this prospectus entitled “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.” This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus, including the section entitled “Risk Factors,” before making an investment decision.

Our Company

We are a global provider of shipping transportation services. We specialize in the ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels. Each of our vessels is owned or chartered-in through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary.

Our Fleet

Our fleet is currently comprised of 39 dry bulk carriers excluding the two methanol dual fuel new-building Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, not yet delivered and including m/v Houston which has been sold and expected to be delivered to her new owners latest by September 16, 2024. The following table summarizes key information about our fleet as of August 29, 2024:

 

Each dry bulk carrier is a “sister ship”, or closely similar, to other dry bulk carriers that have the same letter.

** Total commission percentage paid to third parties.

*** In case of newly acquired vessel with time charter attached, this date refers to the expected/actual date of delivery of the vessel to the Company.

**** Range of redelivery dates, with the actual date of redelivery being at the Charterers’ option, but subject to the terms, conditions, and exceptions of the particular charterparty.

1Estimated redelivery date from the Charterers.

2Estimated delivery date to the Charterers.

3Based on latest information.

4Bareboat chartered-in for a period of ten years.

5Charterers have agreed for any time in excess of the charter party period to pay the rate of 105% of the Baltic Panamax Index 5 TC average as published by the Baltic Exchange on a daily basis during the excess period commencing from August 20, 2024 or the vessel’s present charter party rate, whichever is higher.

6Redelivery date based on an estimated time charter trip duration of about 45 days.

7The charter rate will be US$12,250 per day for the first 30 days of the charter period.

8Vessel has been sold and it is expected to be delivered to her new Owners by latest September 16, 2024.

9Currently without an active charterparty. Vessel on scheduled drydocking.

10Bareboat chartered-in for a period of eight years.

11Vessel off hire for 7.43 days.

Ship Management

The commercial and technical management of our fleet, owned and bareboat chartered-in, as well as the provision of administrative services relating to the fleet’s operations, are carried out by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Diana Shipping Services S.A., which we refer to as DSS, and Diana Wilhelmsen Management Limited, a 50/50 joint venture with Wilhelmsen Ship Management, which we refer to as DWM. In exchange for providing us with commercial and technical services, personnel and office space, we pay DSS a commission, which is a percentage of the managed vessels’ gross revenues, a fixed monthly fee per managed vessel and an additional monthly fee for the administrative services provided to Diana Shipping Inc. Such services may include budgeting, reporting, monitoring of bank accounts, compliance with banks, payroll services and any other possible service that Diana Shipping Inc. would require to perform its operations. Similarly, in exchange for providing us with commercial and technical services, we pay to DWM a commission which is a percentage of the managed vessels’ gross revenues and a fixed management monthly fee for each managed vessel.

Since June 1, 2010, Steamship Shipbroking Enterprises Inc., or Steamship, a related party controlled by our Chairman of the Board, provides brokerage services to us. The terms of this relationship are currently governed by a Brokerage Services Agreement dated February 23, 2024.

Recent Developments

US$150 Million Senior Unsecured Bond Offering

On June 18, 2024, the Company announced the pricing of a US$150 million private placement of senior unsecured bonds maturing in July 2029 and callable beginning three years after issuance. The bond offering was priced with a U.S. dollar fixed-rate coupon of 8.75%. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears in January and July of each year. The Company will apply for listing of the bonds on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The offering closed on July 2, 2024. The net proceeds from the bonds shall be used to refinance all of the Company’s existing US$125 million senior unsecured bond due 2026 with ISIN NO0011021974 (“DIASH02”), and for general corporate purposes.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The Company's annual meeting of shareholders was held on May 21, 2024. At the meeting four Class I directors of the Company were reelected to serve until the Company’s 2027 annual meeting of shareholders and Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A. was appointed as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

Dividends

On June 18, 2024, we paid a cash dividend of $0.075 per share, or $9.1 million, to all shareholders of record as of June 12, 2024.

Corporate Information

Diana Shipping Inc. is a holding company incorporated under the laws of Liberia in March 1999 as Diana Shipping Investments Corp., and was re-domiciled from the Republic of Liberia to the Republic of the Marshall Islands in February 2005. Our executive offices are located at Pendelis 16, 175 64 Palaio Faliro, Athens, Greece. Our telephone number at this address is +30-210-9470-100.

The Securities We May Offer

We may use this prospectus to offer, through one or more offerings, up to $499,885,000 of our common stock (including related preferred stock purchase rights), preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts, rights and units. We may also offer securities of the types listed above that are convertible or exchangeable into one or more of the securities listed above. A prospectus supplement will describe the specific types, amounts, prices, and detailed terms of any of these offered securities and may describe certain risks in addition to those set forth below associated with an investment in the securities. Terms used in the prospectus supplement will have the meanings described in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment in our securities, you should carefully consider all of the information included in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including those in "Item 3-Key Information-D. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the Commission on April 5, 2024, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents we file with the Commission after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference herein. Please see the section of this prospectus entitled "Where You Can Find Additional Information-Information Incorporated by Reference." The occurrence of one or more of those risk factors could adversely impact our business, results of operations or financial condition. When we offer and sell any securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to such securities in the prospectus supplement.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities issued under this prospectus as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

CAPITALIZATION

Our capitalization and indebtedness will be set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F or a Report on Form 6-K which is incorporated herein by reference, or in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell or distribute the securities included in this prospectus through underwriters, through agents, to dealers, in private transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, including sales made directly on a national securities exchange or sales made through a market maker other than on an exchange or other similar offerings through sales agents, at prices related to the prevailing market prices, a fixed price or prices, which may be changed or at negotiated prices.

In addition, we may sell some or all of our securities included in this prospectus through:

In addition, we may enter into options or other types of transactions that require us to deliver our securities to a broker-dealer, who will then resell or transfer the securities under this prospectus. We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to our securities. For example, we may:

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.

Any broker-dealers or other persons acting on our behalf that participate with us in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters and any commissions received or profit realized by them on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. As of the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding between any broker or dealer and us with respect to the offer or sale of the securities pursuant to this prospectus.

At the time that any particular offering of securities is made, to the extent required by the Securities Act, a prospectus supplement will be distributed, setting forth the terms of the offering, including the aggregate number of securities being offered, the purchase price of the securities, the initial offering price of the securities, the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting compensation from us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Furthermore, we, our executive officers, our directors and major shareholders may agree, subject to certain exemptions, that for a certain period from the date of the prospectus supplement under which the securities are offered, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of an underwriter, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock. However, an underwriter, in its sole discretion, may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time without notice. We expect an underwriter to exclude from these lock-up agreements securities exercised and/or sold pursuant to trading plans entered into by us pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, that are in place at the time of an offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement hereto that provide for periodic sales of our securities on the basis of parameters described in such trading plans.

Underwriters or agents could make sales in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an at-the-market offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes sales made directly on or through the NYSE, the existing trading market for our shares of common stock and Series B Preferred Stock, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange.

We will bear costs relating to all of the securities being registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

You should carefully read the discussion of the Marshall Islands and U.S. federal income tax considerations associated with our operations and the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock set forth in the section entitled “Taxation” of the Annual Report incorporated by reference herein.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a summary of the description of our capital stock and the material terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws. Because the following is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We refer you to our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to our Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference herein. Please see the section of this prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information-Information Incorporated by Reference.”

Purpose

Our purpose, as stated in our amended and restated articles of incorporation, is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or the BCA. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our stockholders.

Authorized Capitalization

Under our amended and restated articles of incorporation, as of the date of this prospectus, our authorized capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 125,140,568 shares are issued and outstanding and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which (i) 1,000,000 shares are designated as Series A Participating Preferred Stock, none of which is issued and outstanding, (ii) 5,000,000 shares are designated as Series B Preferred Stock, of which 2,600,000 are issued and outstanding, (iii) 10,675 are designated as Series C Preferred Shares, of which 10,675 are issued and outstanding and (iv) 400 are designated as Series D Preferred Shares, of which 400 are issued and outstanding. All of our shares of stock are in registered form.

Common Stock

Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of common stock do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of our preferred stock.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of preferred stock in one or more series with designations as may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred stock. At the time that any series of our preferred stock is authorized, our board of directors will fix the dividend rights, any conversion rights, any voting rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences and any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of that series, as well as the number of shares constituting that series and their designation. Our board of directors could, without shareholder approval, cause us to issue preferred stock which has voting, conversion and other rights and preferences that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of holders of our common stock, Series A Participating Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, or Series D Preferred Stock or make it more difficult to effect a change in control. In addition, preferred stock could be used to dilute the share ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us and thereby hinder a possible takeover attempt which, if our shareholders were offered a premium over the market value of their shares, might be viewed as being beneficial to our shareholders. The material terms of any series of preferred stock that we offer through a prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement.

Description of the Series B Preferred Shares

On February 13, 2014, we filed a Prospectus Statement for the registration of 2,400,000 of our 8.875% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share and an option for the underwriters to purchase up to an additional 360,000 Series B Preferred Shares solely to cover over-allotments. We have summarized the material terms and conditions of the rights of these Series B Preferred Shares below. For a complete description of the rights, we encourage you to read the “Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered”, which we have filed as an exhibit to the Form 8-A on February 13, 2014. Dividends Under the Agreement, we declared a dividend payment of 8.875% per annum per $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equal to $2.21875 per annum per share). These dividends accrue and are cumulative from the date the Series B Cumulative shares are originally issued. The dividends are payable, as and if declared by the Board on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year. Liquidation Preference Holders of the Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to a liquidation preference. Upon the occurrence of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation Event”), Holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company or proceeds thereof legally available for distribution to stockholders of the Company, (i) after satisfaction of all liabilities, if any, to creditors of the Company, (ii) after all applicable distributions of such assets or proceeds being made to or set aside for the holders of any Senior Stock then outstanding in respect of such Liquidation Event, (iii) concurrently with any applicable distributions of such assets or proceeds being made to or set aside for holders of any Parity Stock then outstanding in respect of such Liquidation Event and (iv) before any distribution of such assets or proceeds is made to or set aside for the holders of Common Stock and any other classes or series of Junior Stock as to such distribution, a liquidating distribution or payment in full redemption of such Series B Preferred Shares in an amount initially equal to $25.00 per share in cash, plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for payment of such amount (whether or not declared). Voting Rights In the event that six quarterly dividends, whether consecutive or not, payable on the Series B Preferred Shares are in arrears, the Holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall have the right, voting as a class together with holders of any Parity Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, at the next meeting of stockholders called for the election of directors, to elect one member of the Board of Directors, and the size of the Board of Directors shall be increased as needed to accommodate such change. Unless the Company shall have received the affirmative vote or consents of the Holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series B Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, the Company may not adopt any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation that adversely alters the preferences, powers or rights of the Series B Preferred Shares. Unless the Company shall have received the affirmative vote or consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series B Preferred Shares, voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the Company may not (x) issue any Parity Stock if the cumulative dividends payable on outstanding Series B Preferred Shares are in arrears or (y) create or issue any Senior Stock.

Redemption Rights

The Company shall have the right at any time on or after February 14, 2019 to redeem the Series B Preferred Shares, in whole or from time to time in part, from any funds available for such purpose. Any such redemption shall occur on a date set by the Company.

Description of the Series C Preferred Shares

We filed a statement of designations with the Marshall Islands registry establishing our Series C Preferred Stock, of which 10,675 are issued and outstanding, par value $0.01 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock will vote with the common shares of the Company, and each share of the Series C Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to 1,000 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company. The Series C Preferred Stock has no dividend or liquidation rights and cannot be transferred without the consent of the Company except to the holder's affiliates and immediate family members.

For a complete description of the rights, we encourage you to read the “Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences, and Privileges of Series C Preferred Stock of the Company”, which we have filed as exhibit 3.1 to the Form 6-K on February 6, 2019.

Description of the Series D Preferred Shares

We filed a statement of designations with the Marshall Islands registry establishing our Series D Preferred Stock, of which 400 are issued and outstanding, par value $0.01 per share. The Series D Preferred Stock has no dividend or liquidation rights. The Series D Preferred Stock votes with the common shares of the Company, and each share of the Series D Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to up to 200,000 votes, on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company, notwithstanding any other provision of the Statement of Designation of the Series D Preferred Stock, to the extent that the total number of votes one or more holders of Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to vote (including any voting power of such holders derived from Series D Preferred Stock, shares of common stock or any other voting security of the Company issued and outstanding as of the date hereof or that may be issued in the future) on any matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company would exceed 36.0% of the total number of votes eligible to be cast on such matter, the total number of votes that holders of Series D Preferred Stock may exercise derived from the Series D Preferred Stock together with Common Shares and any other voting securities of the Company beneficially owned by such holder, shall be reduced to 36% of the total number of votes that may be cast on such matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.

For a complete description of the rights, we encourage you to read the “Amended and Restated Statement of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series D Preferred Stock of the Company”, which we have filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 6-K on September 8, 2023.

Description of Warrants

On December 14, 2023, we issued warrants to purchase common shares (the “Warrants”) to the holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on December 6, 2023 (the “Record Date”) on the terms and conditions described in the Warrant Agreement (as defined below and attached as exhibit 2.10 to our Annual Report filed with the Commission on April 5, 2024). Each holder received one Warrant for every five shares of issued and outstanding shares of common stock held as of the Record Date (rounded down to the nearest whole number for any fractional Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase, at the holder’s sole and exclusive election, at the exercise price, 1.05216 shares of common stock, following certain adjustments, plus, to the extent, described below, the Bonus Share Fraction. A Bonus Share Fraction entitles a holder to receive an additional 0.5 of a share of common stock for each Warrant exercised (the “Bonus Share Fraction”) without payment of any additional exercise price. Since the dividend ex-Date on March 4, 2024, the Bonus Share Fraction was adjusted to 0.51292 of a share of common stock for each Warrant exercised. Since the dividend ex-Date on June 12, 2024, the Bonus Share Fraction was adjusted to 0.52608 of a share of common stock for each Warrant exercised.

The right to receive the Bonus Share Fraction will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York City time (the “Bonus Share Expiration Date”) upon the earlier of (i) the date specified by the Registrant upon not less than 20 business days’ notice and (ii) the first business day following the last day of the first 30 consecutive trading day period in which the daily VWAP of the shares of common stock has been at least equal to the then applicable trigger price for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) (the “Bonus Price Condition”). Any Warrant exercised with an exercise date after the Bonus Share Expiration Date will not be entitled to any Bonus Share Fraction. The Company will make a public announcement of the Bonus Share Expiration Date (i) at least 20 business days prior to such date, in the case of the Company setting a Bonus Share Expiration Date and (ii) prior to market open on the Bonus Share Expiration Date in the case of a Bonus Price Condition.

Unless earlier redeemed, the Warrants will expire and cease to be exercisable at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on December 14, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”).

In connection with the Warrant distribution, we filed a prospectus supplement, dated December 14, 2023, pursuant to our existing shelf registration statement on Form F-3 declared effective on July 9, 2021, registering up to 33,919,605 shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Warrants commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “DSX WS” on December 14, 2023.

Description of Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

On February 2, 2024, we entered into an Amended and Restated Stockholders Rights Agreement with Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent, to amend and restate the Stockholders Rights Agreement, dated January 15, 2016.

Under the Rights Agreement, we declared a dividend payable of one preferred stock purchase right, or Right, for each share of common stock outstanding at the close of business on January 26, 2016. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an exercise price of $25.00 per share. The Rights will separate from the common stock and become exercisable only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common stock (including through entry into certain derivative positions) in a transaction not approved by our board of directors. In that situation, each holder of a Right (other than the acquiring person, whose Rights will become void and will not be exercisable) will have the right to purchase, upon payment of the exercise price, a number of shares of our common stock having a then-current market value equal to twice the exercise price. In addition, if the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination after an acquiring person acquires 15% or more of our common stock, each holder of the Right will thereafter have the right to purchase, upon payment of the exercise price, a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring person having a then-current market value equal to twice the exercise price. The acquiring person will not be entitled to exercise these Rights. Until a Right is exercised, the holder of a Right will have no rights to vote or receive dividends or any other stockholder rights.

The Rights may have anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire us without the approval of our board of directors. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights may be to render more difficult or discourage any attempt to acquire us. Because our board of directors can approve a redemption of the Rights or a permitted offer, the Rights should not interfere with a merger or other business combination approved by our board of directors.

We have summarized the material terms and conditions of the Rights Agreement and the Rights below. Fora complete description of the Rights, we encourage you to read the Rights Agreement, which we have filed as an exhibit to the registration statement filed with the Commission on February 2, 2024.

Detachment of the Rights

The Rights are attached to all certificates representing our currently outstanding common stock, or, in the case of uncertificated common shares registered in book entry form, which we refer to as "book entry shares," by notation in book entry accounts reflecting ownership, and will attach to all common stock certificates and book entry shares we issue prior to the Rights distribution date that we describe below. The Rights are not exercisable until after the Rights distribution date and will expire at the close of business on January 14, 2026, unless we redeem or exchange them earlier as we describe below. The Rights will separate from the common stock and a Rights distribution date would occur, subject to specified exceptions, on the earlier of the following two dates:

• the 10th day after public announcement that a person or group has acquired ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock; or

• the 10th business day (or such later date as determined by the Company's board of directors) after a person or group announces a tender or exchange offer which would result in that person or group holding 15% or more of the Company's common stock.

"Acquiring person" is generally defined in the Rights Agreement as any person, together with all affiliates or associates, who beneficially owns 15% or more of the Company's common stock. However, the Company, any subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company, or any person holding shares of common stock for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan, are excluded from the definition of "acquiring person." In addition, persons who beneficially own 15% or more of the Company's common stock on the effective date of the Rights Agreement are excluded from the definition of "acquiring person" unless and until such time as such Person shall become the Beneficial Owner of an aggregate of 18.5% or more of the Company’s then outstanding Common Stock, (excluding shares acquired pursuant to a grant under a Company equity incentive plan, a dividend or distribution paid or made by the Company on the outstanding shares of Common Stock in shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into shares of Common Stock or pursuant to a split or subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock), and provided further, that Tuscany Shipping Corp. individually or together with one or more of its Affiliates shall not be or become an “Acquiring Person” as defined herein.

Our board of directors may defer the Rights distribution date in some circumstances, and some inadvertent acquisitions will not result in a person becoming an acquiring person if the person promptly divests itself of a sufficient number of shares of common stock.

Until the Rights distribution date:

• our common stock certificates and book entry shares will evidence the Rights, and the Rights will be transferable only with those certificates; and

• any new common stock will be issued with Rights and new certificates or book entry shares, as applicable, will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference.

As soon as practicable after the Rights distribution date, the Rights agent will mail certificates representing the Rights to holders of record of common stock at the close of business on that date. After the Rights distribution date, only separate Rights certificates will represent the Rights.

We will not issue Rights with any shares of common stock we issue after the Rights distribution date, except as our board of directors may otherwise determine.

Flip-In Event

A "flip-in event" will occur under the Rights Agreement when a person becomes an acquiring person other than pursuant to certain kinds of permitted offers. An offer is permitted under the Rights Agreement if a person will become an acquiring person pursuant to a merger or other acquisition agreement that has been approved by our board of directors prior to that person becoming an acquiring person.

If a flip-in event occurs and we have not previously redeemed the Rights as described under the heading "Redemption of Rights" in the Amended and Restated Stockholders Rights Agreement, filed as an exhibit to our annual report, or, if the acquiring person acquires less than 50% of our outstanding common stock and we do not exchange the Rights as described under the heading "Exchange of Rights" in the Amended and Restated Stockholders Rights Agreement, filed as an exhibit to our annual report , each Right, other than any Right that has become void, as we describe below, will become exercisable at the time it is no longer redeemable for the number of shares of common stock, or, in some cases, cash, property or other of our securities, having a current market price equal to two times the exercise price of such right.

When a flip-in event occurs, all Rights that then are, or in some circumstances that were, beneficially owned by or transferred to an acquiring person or specified related parties will become void in the circumstances the Rights Agreement specifies.

Transfer of Shares

The Board of Directors has the power and authority to make such rules and regulations as they may deem expedient concerning the issuance, registration and transfer of shares of the Company’s stock, and may appoint transfer agents and registrars thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may offer and issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, under one or more indentures, each dated as of a date on or prior to the issuance of the debt securities to which it relates, and pursuant to an applicable prospectus supplement. We may issue senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities pursuant to separate indentures, a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture, respectively, in each case between us and the trustee named in the indenture. These indentures will be filed either as exhibits to an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or as an exhibit to a report under the Exchange Act, that will be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or a prospectus supplement. We refer to any applicable prospectus supplement, amendment to the registration statement and/or Exchange Act report as “subsequent filings.” The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, are each referred to individually as an “indenture” and collectively as the “indentures.” Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York (without giving effect to any principles thereof relating to conflicts of law that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction) unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture (or post-effective amendment hereto). Each indenture will contain the specific terms of any series of debt securities or provide that those terms must be set forth in or determined pursuant to, an authorizing resolution, as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating to such series.

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The particular terms and provisions of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to the offered debt securities, will be described in the applicable subsequent filings. The statements below are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable indenture. The specific terms of any debt securities that we may offer, including any modifications of, or additions to, the general terms described below as well as any applicable material U.S. federal income tax considerations concerning the ownership of such debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture and, as applicable, supplemental indenture. Accordingly, for a complete description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, the general description of the debt securities set forth below should be read in conjunction with the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

General

We expect that neither indenture will limit the amount of debt securities which may be issued and that each indenture will provide that debt securities may be issued in one or more series.

We expect that the subsequent filings related to a series of offered debt securities will describe the following terms of the series:

Subsequent filings may include additional terms not listed above. Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the Commission relating to the indenture, principal, premium and interest will be payable and the debt securities will be transferable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. Unless other arrangements are made or set forth in subsequent filings or a supplemental indenture, principal, premium and interest will be paid by checks mailed to the registered holders at their registered addresses.

Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the Commission, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with these debt securities.

Some or all of the debt securities may be issued as discounted debt securities, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates, to be sold at a substantial discount below the stated principal amount. United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any discounted securities will be described in subsequent filings with the Commission relating to those securities.

We refer you to the applicable subsequent filings for the particular terms and provisions of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement.

Senior Debt Securities

We may issue senior debt securities under a senior debt indenture. These senior debt securities would rank on an equal basis with all our other unsubordinated debt.

Subordinated Debt Securities

We may issue subordinated debt securities under a subordinated debt indenture. These subordinated debt securities would rank subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

Any series of offered debt securities may have covenants in addition to or differing from those included in the applicable indenture which will be described in subsequent filings prepared in connection with the offering of such securities, limiting or restricting, among other things:

Modification of the Indentures

We expect that each indenture and the rights of the respective holders generally may be modified by us only with the consent of holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series under the respective indenture affected by the modification, taken together as a class. But we expect that no modification that:

(1) changes the amount of securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) reduces the rate of or changes the interest payment time on any security or alters its redemption provisions (other than any alteration to any such section which would not materially adversely affect the legal rights of any holder under the indenture) or the price at which we are required to offer to purchase the securities;

(3) reduces the principal or changes the maturity of any security or reduces the amount of, or postpones the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

(4) waives a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any security (except a rescission of acceleration of the securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

(5) makes the principal of or interest, if any, on any security payable in any currency other than that stated in the security;

(6) makes any change with respect to holders’ rights to receive principal and interest, the terms pursuant to which defaults can be waived, certain modifications affecting shareholders or certain currency-related issues; or

(7) waives a redemption payment with respect to any security or changes any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of any securities;

will be effective against any holder without his consent.

Additionally, certain changes under each indenture will not require the consent of any holders. These types of changes are generally limited to clarifications of ambiguities, omissions, defects and inconsistencies in each indenture and amendments, supplements and other changes that would not adversely affect the holders of outstanding debt securities under each indenture, such as adding security, covenants, additional events of default or successor trustees.

Events of Default

We expect that each indenture will define an event of default for the debt securities of any series as being any one of the following events:

An event of default of one series of debt securities will not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities.

There may be such other or different events of default as described in an applicable subsequent filing with respect to any class or series of offered debt securities.

We expect that under each indenture, in case an event of default occurs and continues for the debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of that series may declare the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable. Further, any event of default for the debt securities of any series which has been cured is expected to be permitted to be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding.

We expect that each indenture will require us to file annually, after debt securities are issued under that indenture, with the applicable trustee a written statement signed by two of our officers as to the absence of material defaults under the terms of that indenture. We also expect that each indenture will provide that the applicable trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any default if it considers it in the interest of the holders to do so, except notice of a default in payment of principal, premium or interest.

Subject to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default occurs and continues, we expect that each indenture will provide that the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under that indenture at the request, order or direction of holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to these provisions for indemnification and the rights of the trustee, each indenture is expected to provide that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee as long as the exercise of that right does not conflict with any law or the indenture.

Defeasance and Discharge

The terms of each indenture are expected to provide us with the option to be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities issued thereunder upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities.

We expect that this right may only be exercised if, among other things, we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that such a discharge will not be deemed, or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders. This discharge would not apply to our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, to maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants

We expect that the terms of each indenture will provide us with the right to omit complying with specified covenants and specified events of default described in a subsequent filing upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities.

We expect that to exercise this right we will also be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that the deposit and related covenant defeasance will not cause the holders of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes.

A subsequent filing may further describe the provisions, if any, of any particular series of offered debt securities permitting a discharge defeasance.

Form of Debt Securities

Each debt security will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Both certificated securities in definitive form and global securities may be issued either in registered form, where our obligation runs to the holder of the security named on the face of the security, or in bearer form, where our obligation runs to the bearer of the security.

Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, other than definitive bearer securities, which name the bearer as owner, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable.

Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities represented by these global securities, other than global bearer securities, which name the bearer as owner. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Global Securities

We may issue the debt securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees. If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any debt securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements:

Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or selling agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities. So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture.

Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest in that registered global security, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders of a registered global security or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of us, the trustee or any other agent of us or agent of the trustee will have any responsibility or liability to owners of beneficial interests for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests. We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

We expect that the indenture will provide that if the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will be required to issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. In addition, the indenture is expected to allow us to decide, at any time and in our sole discretion, to not have any of the securities represented by one or more registered global securities. If we make that decision, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global security or securities representing those securities. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.

If we issue registered global securities, we expect that the Depository Trust Company, or DTC, will act as depository and the securities will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as DTC’s nominee.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase our debt or equity securities or securities of third parties or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We expect that such terms will include, among others:

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of:

Each purchase contract will entitle the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities or currencies at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may, however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable or, in the case of purchase contracts on underlying currencies, by delivering the underlying currencies, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities or currencies and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions, provisions relating to U.S. federal income tax considerations, if any, or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and those payments may be unsecured or pre-funded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require the holders thereof to secure their obligations in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued. Our obligation to settle such pre-paid purchase contracts on the relevant settlement date may constitute indebtedness. Accordingly, pre-paid purchase contracts will be issued under either a senior indenture or subordinated indenture.

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

We may issue rights to purchase our equity securities. These rights may be issued independently or together with any other security offered by this prospectus and may or may not be transferable by the stockholder receiving the rights in the rights offering. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which the underwriter will purchase any securities that remain unsubscribed for upon completion of the rights offering.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any rights will describe the terms of the offered rights. We expect that such terms will include, where applicable:

The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any rights we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable rights certificate or rights agreement, which will be filed with the Commission if we offer rights. For more information on how you can obtain copies of any rights certificate or rights agreement if we offer rights, see “Where You Can Find Additional Information” of this prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable rights certificate, the applicable rights agreement and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more rights, purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, preferred shares, common stock (including related preferred stock purchase rights) or any combination of such securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offered units. We expect that such terms will include, among others:

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

Diana Shipping Inc. is a Marshall Islands corporation. The Marshall Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States and provides protections for investors to a significantly lesser extent.

Our principal executive offices are located outside the United States in Athens, Greece, and a majority of our directors, officers and the experts named in this prospectus reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of our directors, officers and experts are located outside the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside the United States, judgments you may obtain in United States courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal or state securities laws. Furthermore, there is substantial doubt that courts in the countries in which we or our subsidiaries are incorporated or where our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries, directors or officers and such experts are located (i) would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or our subsidiaries, directors or officers and such experts based upon the civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or (ii) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us or our subsidiaries, directors or officers and such experts based on those law

EXPENSES

The following are the estimated expenses of the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, all of which will be paid by us.

(1) Based on current Registration Fee Rate of $147.60 per $1,000,000. Includes the $33,937.80 previously paid in connection with unsold securities pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6).

* To be provided by a prospectus supplement or as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K that is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Seward & Kissel LLP, New York, New York, with respect to matters of the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and with respect to matters of United States and New York law.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Diana Shipping Inc. appearing in Diana Shipping Inc.’s Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the effectiveness of Diana Shipping Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 have been audited by Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A., independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A. is located at 8B Chimarras Street, 15125, Maroussi, Greece and is registered as a corporate body with the public register for company auditors-accountants kept with the Body of Certified Auditors Accountants (“SOEL”), Greece with registration number 107.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

As required by the Securities Act, we filed a registration statement relating to the securities offered by this prospectus with the Commission. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement, which includes additional information.

Government Filings

We file annual and special reports with the Commission. You may read and copy any document that we file and obtain copies at prescribed rates from the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling 1 (800) SEC-0330. The Commission maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission. Our filings are also available on our website at http://www.dianashippinginc.com. The information on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

Information Incorporated by Reference

The Commission allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those filed documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the Commission prior to the termination of this offering will also be considered to be part of this prospectus and will automatically update and supersede previously filed information, including information contained in this document.

We hereby incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the Commission under Section 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act:

We are also incorporating by reference all subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F that we file with the Commission and certain reports on Form 6-K or other filings that we furnish to the Commission after the date of this prospectus (if they state that they are incorporated by reference into this prospectus), including all such reports filed after the date of the initial filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement, until we file a post-effective amendment indicating that the offering of the securities made by this prospectus has been terminated. In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement as well as the information we previously filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the dates on the front cover of those documents only. Our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

You may request a free copy of the above-mentioned filings or any subsequent filings we incorporate by reference to this prospectus by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Diana Shipping Inc.

Pendelis 16

175 64 Palaio Faliro

Athens, Greece

011 30 (210) 947-0100

Information Provided by the Company

We will furnish holders of our common stock with annual reports containing audited financial statements and a report by our independent registered public accounting firm. The audited financial statements will be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a “foreign private issuer,” we are exempt from the rules under the Securities Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders. While we intend to furnish proxy statements to any shareholder in accordance with the rules of the NYSE, those proxy statements are not expected to conform to Schedule 14A of the proxy rules promulgated under the Exchange Act. In addition, as a “foreign private issuer,” our officers and directors are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act relating to short swing profit reporting and liability.