Global Ship Lease (NYSE: GSL or the “company”) is a publicly listed lessor of mid-sized and smaller containerships, facilitating the transport of goods worldwide, with its administrative offices in Athens, Greece. GSL was formed in 2007 as a wholly owned subsidiary of CMA CGM, a leading shipping company, prior to spinning off with a public listing on the NYSE in 2008. As of December 31, 2025 (YE25), GSL’s fleet was comprised of 71 containerships with an average age of 17.9 years, weighted by twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) capacity.
Key Credit Considerations
The ratings reflect the company’s solid market position in containership leasing, particularly in the sub-10,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) and high-reefer markets, contracted revenue, experienced management team and strong equity capital base supported by a low leverage strategy. The ratings also reflect the company’s strong historical performance and resilience during industry…
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