F Laeisz raises stake in Diana Shipping, seeks 'dialogue' with board

In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission dated 30 April, the Nikolaus H Schües-led shipowner disclosed a 6.6% holding – equivalent to 7.7M shares – in the US-listed Greek owner, up from the 5.0% stake initially reported in October 2024.

The original investment was disclosed under Schedule 13G, typically used by passive investors. However, on 30 April 2025, F Laeisz amended its filing under Schedule 13D, which is associated with investors seeking an active role, indicating a shift in its intentions. This amendment was revealed in a filing submitted on 12 June.

According to the latest filing, F Laeisz aims to engage in dialogue with Diana’s board and management regarding "operational and strategic opportunities to maximise shareholder value." These could include asset or corporate consolidation transactions – some of which the German group may participate in directly.

The company also noted it may consider or propose changes related to Diana Shipping’s operations, management, organisational documents, board composition, ownership structure, capital allocation or dividend policy.

In addition, F Laeisz plans to communicate with other shareholders, industry participants, potential acquirers, service providers and financing sources regarding the foregoing.

Diana Shipping declined to comment when approached by Riviera. According to the shipowner’s 2024 annual report released last March, Semiramis Paliou is the largest shareholder with a 20.3% stake, followed by Sea Trade Holdings which holds a 12.7% share.

Recent moves and fleet details

Diana Shipping’s core business remains dry bulk, with a current fleet of 37 vessels, and two methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax newbuilds on order. The company has also ventured unexpectedly into the LPG carrier and offshore vessel sectors.

In Q1 2025, the company reported time charter revenue of $54.9M, down from $57.6M in Q1 2024, but net income rose to $2.9M, up from $2.0M year-over-year.

The F Laeisz Group maintains a diversified fleet which includes car carriers, container ships, gas carriers, research vessels, and river cruise ships, according to its website.

Notably, in its latest dry bulk initiative, the F Laeisz Group emerged as a co-investor in Belships, a dry bulk specialist that was recently delisted from the Oslo Stock Exchange. The German group acquired a 25.0% stake in the company.