Repayment of a loan by Diana Containerships is unlikely to fire the starting pistol for a new round of vessel acquisitions by Diana Shipping, executives say.

Ship sales are, however, a possibility and could be an indication the company is preparing to reintroduce a dividend, according to chief operating officer Ioannis Zafirakis.

As TradeWinds reported earlier this week, Diana Shipping views its period as lender to its sibling as a success given the “attractive return” on capital.