FORM 6-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of August 2006 DIANA SHIPPING INC. (Translation of registrant's name into English) Diana Shipping Inc. Pendelis 16 175 64 Palaio Faliro Athens, Greece (Address of principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F X Form 40-F ----- ----- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No X ----- ----- INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM 6-K REPORT Attached to this Report on Form 6-K as Exhibit 1 is a copy of the press release issued on August 1, 2006 by Diana Shipping Inc. (the "Company") announcing the expected release of the Company's financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2006 and announcement of a cash dividend for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 on August 9, 2006 and the scheduling of a conference call and simultaneous Internet webcast to review these results for August 10, 2006. Corporate Contact: Ioannis Zafirakis Director and Vice-President Telephone: + 30-210-9470100 Email: izafirakis@dianashippinginc.com For Immediate Release --------------------- Investor and Media Relations: Edward Nebb Euro RSCG Magnet Telephone: + 1-212-367-6848 Email: ed.nebb@eurorscg.com DIANA SHIPPING INC. SCHEDULES SECOND QUARTER 2006 EARNINGS RELEASE, DIVIDEND DECLARATION AND CONFERENCE CALL ATHENS, GREECE, August 1, 2006 - Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), a global shipping transportation company specializing in dry bulk cargoes, today announced that its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2006, are scheduled to be released after the close of the U.S. financial markets on Wednesday, August 9, 2006. The declaration of the Company's cash dividend for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 also will be announced at that time. The Company's management will conduct a conference call and simultaneous Internet webcast to review these results at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, August 10, 2006. Investors may access the webcast by visiting the Company's website at www.dianashippinginc.com, and clicking on the webcast link. The webcast also is accessible at www.viavid.net, by clicking on the Diana Shipping link under "Events". The conference call also may be accessed by telephone by dialing 1-877-692-2086 (for U.S.-based callers) or 1-973-935-8599 (for international callers). A replay of the webcast will be available soon after the completion of the call and will be accessible on both www.dianashippinginc.com and www.viavid.net. A telephone replay will be available by dialing 1-877-519-4471 (for U.S.-based callers) or 1-973-341-3080 (for international callers); callers must use the PIN number 7673476. About the Company Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX) is a global provider of shipping transportation services. The Company specializes in transporting dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes. # # # SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. DIANA SHIPPING INC. (registrant) Dated: August 3, 2006 By: /s/ Anastassis Margaronis ---------------------------- Anastassis Margaronis President