With a historical tradition spanning many decades, Greek shipowners manage the largest cargo transport fleet in the world, responding to the constantly changing needs of international trade for efficient, sustainable, and innovative shipping.
An emblematic representative of this dynamic is Semiramis Paliou, Chief Executive Officer of Diana Shipping Inc., one of the largest and most influential companies in the international dry bulk shipping. Ms. Paliou belongs to the new generation of leaders, who promote innovation and sustainability in the shipping industry. She studied mechanical engineering at Imperial College London and completed postgraduate studies in Naval Architecture at University College London.
Her professional career began in 1996 at Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, where she worked for two years as a trainee ship surveyor, gaining valuable experience in technical assessment and inspection. Subsequently, she joined family-owned companies, such as Alpha Sigma Shipping Corp. and Diana Shipping Agencies S.A. From 2007 to 2010 she served as Director and President of Alpha Sigma Shipping Corp., while in February 2010 she took over the leadership of the Operations, Technical, and Crewing departments of Diana Shipping Services S.A., a position she held until November 2015. From November 2015 to October 2016 she served as Vice President of the company.
In May 2018, the General Assembly elected her as a member of the Board of Directors of Diana Shipping Inc., and in August 2018 she assumed the duties of Chief Operating Officer (COO). In 2021, she was elected CEO, marking a new era of growth and innovation. Since 2022 and under her leadership, the company has proceeded with strategic investments and chartering agreements with leading clients, enhancing fleet modernization and integrating technologies that promote sustainability and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX) is charting a steady course of growth, confirming Ms. Paliou’s vision for it to be a reliable and strategic partner in international maritime trade. With strong results in the second quarter and the first half of 2025, the company highlights its ability to turn challenges into opportunities, recording net profitability that strengthens shareholder confidence and its dynamism in the sector. With a modern fleet of 36 vessels, Diana Shipping Inc. possesses one of the most energy-efficient dry bulk fleets globally. Beyond the financial figures, which reflect net profits of 7.5 million dollars in the first half of 2025, Diana Shipping Inc. prioritizes long-term value: it invests in a modern and flexible fleet, supports sustainable practices, and strengthens its collaborations with global partners.
In early 2024, it signed shipbuilding contracts for two dual-fuel Kamsarmax type vessels. These new vessels meet the strictest standards for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction. Furthermore, in 2024, a strategic joint venture was realized with Windward Offshore, for the construction of four Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) with hybrid propulsion systems and the capability to use green methanol. These vessels will serve the rapidly growing offshore wind energy sector, positioning Diana Shipping among the pioneers in the transition towards a low-carbon emission future.
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Ms. Palaiou is committed to supporting women in shipping. As one of the few women in a leadership position in the sector, Ms. Palaiou is committed to enhancing the representation and opportunities for female seafarers, promoting initiatives that highlight their contribution and strengthen equality in the workplace. At the same time, she emphasizes support for the new generation of professionals, through scholarships, training programs and collaborations with academic institutions. Her goal is to create not only a more open and dynamic environment for the industry’s future workforce, but also a modern work environment that enhances skills, career prospects and flexibility, making Diana Shipping Services S.A. a competitive employer.
In parallel with the management of Diana Shipping, Ms. Palaiou is actively involved in institutional roles in the wider maritime sector and marine environmental protection: in 2020 she was elected the 14th President of HELMEPA, the first woman in the organization’s history. She is a member of the BoD of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Vice President of the Hellenic Committee of Det Norske Veritas, a member of the Hellenic Committee of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, of Bureau Veritas, of the American Bureau of Shipping and of Hellenic War Risks, while she has been repeatedly distinguished in the Lloyd’s List Top 100, rising to 73rd place in 2023.
The leadership, strategy and commitment of Sem. Palaiou make Diana Shipping Inc. one of the most important, innovative and influential companies in the Greek and international shipping industry, while also highlighting Greece’s pivotal role in global shipping, making her a source of inspiration for future generations.
“I envision a shipping industry that combines business excellence with sustainable development, where innovation and technology act as catalysts for positive change. I believe that progress comes not only through numbers, but also through values such as transparency, collaboration, inclusion and environmental responsibility. My goal is to actively contribute to the transition towards a greener, more efficient and resilient shipping industry, with Greece maintaining and enhancing its leading role on the global map.
