Greece´s dry bulk shipowner Diana Shipping enters offshore wind vessel sector through joint venture.
Diana Shipping led-by the Palios family said yesterday that has signed a term sheet relating to its participation in a joint venture entity that is expected to own and operate offshore wind vessels.
Diana, a New York-listed owner of 40 dry bulk vessels, has partnered with Blue Star Group, SeaRenergy Offshore Holding and SeraVerse to form this new venture.
The joint venture entity has ordered two high spec commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) from shipbuilder Vard, and holds the option to acquire two additional offshore wind service vessels.
The deal, however, remains subject to the negotiation of definitive documentation relating to the company’s participation in the joint venture entity, and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Semiramis Paliou, director and chief executive of Diana Shipping, said: “We are excited to announce our intention to enter into a new sector of the shipping industry through a strategic partnership involving the acquisition of two CSOV vessels. We view this investment as another attestation to our commitment for a greener and more sustainable future. Together with our esteemed partners, we embark on an exciting journey that should contribute to a cleaner and more eco-friendly world.”
Upon the completion of the previously announced sale of the vessel Boston by Diana Shipping, the company´s fleet will consist of 40 dry bulk vessels, including four newcastlemax, nine capesize, five post-panamax, six kamsarmax, seven panamax, and nine ultramax.
The combined carrying capacity of its fleet, including the vessel Boston, is approximately 4.7 million dwt, with a weighted average age of 10.55 years.
The Semiramis Paliou ships 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.
