Diana Shipping Nominates Six Director Candidates for Genco Acquisition
Diana Shipping (DSX), which owns approximately 14.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Genco Shipping & Trading (GNK), announced its intention to nominate a slate of six director candidates for election to Genco's Board of Directors at its upcoming 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The company said, "The nominations follow the current Genco Board's rejection of Diana's non-binding indicative proposal to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Genco common stock not already owned by Diana for $20.60 per share in cash. Diana's offer provides all Genco shareholders the opportunity to realize attractive premium value and is supported by a highly confident financing letter from two leading shipping banks. The current Genco Board, however, took more than six weeks to respond to the offer, during which time they failed to engage with Diana in any way regarding the financial or structural elements of the proposal. In light of the current Board's flat-out refusal to engage, Diana believes that Genco shareholders would benefit from the opportunity to elect directors open to exploring strategic alternatives to maximize value for shareholders, including objective, independent, and good-faith consideration of Diana's proposal." Diana's nominees include: Gustave Brun-Lie has nearly 40 years of experience in the shipping industry. Chao Sih Hing Francois has served as a director of Wah Kwong since February 2015, having served as Deputy Chairman from January 2019 to September 2019, and has held the position of Executive Chairman since September 2019. He is the Co-founder and Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping. Paul Cornell has more than 35 years of experience in the energy industry and, prior to his retirement in 2023, served as CFO and Managing Director of Quintana Capital Group. Jens Ismar has extensive experience working for multiple companies in the shipping industry, serving as CEO of Western Bulk for 11 years and as Executive Director and consultant for Exmar Shipping NV. Viktoria Poziopoulou is an experienced lawyer with approximately 35 years of experience in the shipping industry. From May 2019 to June 2024, Ms. Poziopoulou served as the General Counsel of Pavimar. Quentin Soanes has significant experience in the shipping industry, having previously served as Chairman of Baltic Exchange and Executive Director of Braemar Shipping Services.
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- Charter Extension: Diana Shipping has extended the time charter contract for the m/v Amphitrite with Cobelfret S.A. at a gross rate of $13,000 per day for the first 30 days and $16,500 thereafter, commencing on February 8, 2026, and lasting until at least March 1, 2027, up to April 30, 2027.
- Revenue Expectations: The charter extension is anticipated to generate approximately $6.15 million in gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period, reflecting the company's stability and profitability in the dry bulk shipping market.
- Fleet Size: Diana Shipping's fleet currently consists of 36 dry bulk vessels with a total carrying capacity of about 4.1 million dwt and a weighted average age of 12.19 years, indicating the company's competitive edge and market position.
- Future Deliveries: The company expects to take delivery of two methanol dual-fuel new-building Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels by the second half of 2027 and the first half of 2028, enhancing its fleet's environmental capabilities and market adaptability.
Shipping in New Charter Period: The new shipping charter period is expected to commence on February 8, 2026.
Impact on Industry: This upcoming charter period may have significant implications for shipping operations and logistics planning.
Charter Contract Extension: Diana Shipping Inc. has extended the charter contract for the M/V Amphitrite, a vessel in its fleet.
Duration and Terms: The extension of the charter is set for a period of 12 months, with specific terms agreed upon by both parties.
- Share Buybacks and Acquisition Proposal: Diana Shipping repurchased approximately 11.5 million shares for $22.9 million in 2025 and proposed a $20.60 per share acquisition of Genco, which was rejected by Genco's board, indicating Diana's aggressive strategy to expand its market share.
- Revenue Visibility and Financial Position: The management has locked in about 71% of remaining ownership days for 2026 with average fixed revenues near $17,700 per day, reporting cash reserves of $133 million and a loan-to-value ratio rising to 53%, with a cash break-even point estimated at around $16,800 per day, suggesting a solid foundation for future profitability.
- Decarbonization and Fleet Renewal: Diana has established a formal decarbonization plan that has improved efficiency by approximately 15% through operational measures and retrofits, and is set to deliver two methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax newbuilds by late 2027 to early 2028, aligning with industry sustainability trends.
- Market Outlook and ESG Priorities: Management noted weak demand in the first half of 2025 but a recovery in the second half, with expectations for global GDP growth of about 3.3% in 2026, while the company continues to advance its sustainability efforts, having published six ESG reports, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Takeover Proposal Overview: Diana Shipping has proposed an all-cash takeover of Genco Shipping at $20.60 per share, representing a 15% premium, aimed at providing Genco shareholders with attractive value, despite Genco's board rejecting the offer and failing to engage in dialogue.
- Financing Support Details: Diana stated that its acquisition plan is backed by strong financing letters from two leading shipping banks, demonstrating confidence in the transaction, even though Genco's decision-making process took over six weeks without timely response.
- Board Nomination Plan: Diana has nominated six shipping industry experts for Genco's new board, aiming to explore strategic alternatives and promote consolidation in the sector, thereby enhancing competitive positioning.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Although Diana's shares fell 0.48% on Friday, retail sentiment on Stocktwits for DSX remains in the 'bullish' territory, indicating investor optimism regarding potential consolidation opportunities.

- Proxy Fight Initiation: Diana Shipping has announced a proxy fight against Genco Shipping, nominating six industry professionals for election to Genco's board, aiming to push for a serious evaluation of its $20.60 per share acquisition proposal to enhance shareholder value.
- Acquisition Proposal Rejected: Genco's board rejected Diana's takeover offer, labeling it inadequate, and took six weeks to respond, indicating a lack of constructive engagement that could impact future collaboration opportunities between the two companies.
- Belief in Industry Consolidation: Diana asserts that consolidation is necessary in the dry bulk shipping sector, believing that a merger would significantly benefit shareholders, reflecting its confidence in the industry's future and commitment to maximizing shareholder value.
- Counterproposal Dispute: Genco again rejected Diana's offer, stating that Diana refused to engage on Genco's counterproposal involving cash and equity, highlighting a clear divide in negotiations that may lead to further confrontational dynamics.








