Ardmore Shipping Corp

Newbuildings

We signed contracts for the construction of two highly-efficient and versatile 40,500 dwt Handysize product/chemical tankers at Wuhu Shipyard, at a price of $44.9 million per vessel, inclusive of approximately $3 million for full IMO2 specification and MarineLine tank coatings. In addition, we are commissioning various performance and safety upgrades. The agreement also includes options to acquire two additional vessels on the same terms. Deliveries are scheduled from late 2028.

Capital Allocation Policy, Including Dividends

We are doubling our dividend payout ratio on our shares of common stock to two-thirds (increased from one-third) of Adjusted earnings. Our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on May 7, 2026, of $0.39 per common share for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The dividend will be paid on June 12, 2026, to all shareholders of record on May 29, 2026.

Vessel Sale

We have agreed to the sale of the 2014-builtArdmore Engineer for $35.5 million. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the buyer in June 2026. Effective March 31, 2026 the vessel was classified as held for sale.

Geopolitical Conflicts

Geopolitical tensions cause volatility in the market. The recent U.S./Israel-Iran conflict has significantly disrupted shipping transits via the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil and gas trade route, and the conflict has widened across the Middle East, increasing security concerns and uncertainty. Notably, none of our vessels have been detained in the Strait of Hormuz since the commencement of hostilities between the U.S./Israel and Iran. In addition, the conflict in Ukraine has significantly increased tanker demand and rates by reordering global oil trading patterns. Changes in or resolution of these conflicts may lead to a reversal of these trading patterns or other effects that could significantly decrease tanker demand and rates.

Since mid-December 2023 Houthi rebels in Yemen have carried out numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. As a result of these attacks, many shipping companies have routed their vessels away from transiting the Red Sea, which has affected trading patterns, rates, and expenses. Although these vessel attacks decreased in the first quarter of 2025, Houthi activity levels remain uncertain. The U.S. military operation in Venezuela, including the U.S.’ recent seizures of certain sanctioned oil tankers calling on Venezuelan ports, has similarly added uncertainty in that region.

Further escalation or expansion of international hostilities could continue to affect the price of crude oil and the oil industry, the tanker industry, demand for our services, and our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty

Governments continue to take actions to implement new or increased tariffs on foreign imports and port fees. These activities have resulted in tariffs being levied on various goods and commodities, which may trigger an escalation of trade wars. These actions have been disruptive to global markets, resulting in significant volatility in stock and commodity prices and an increase in general global economic uncertainty, including the risk of economic recessions. As a result of the rapidly changing and unpredictable geopolitical climate, the shipping industry is experiencing uncertainty as to future vessel demand, trade routes, rates and operating costs.

Please see “Item 3. Key Information--Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for information about risks to us and our business relating to political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities.