Containership owner Global Ship Lease reported operating revenue of $198.7 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, up 3.5 per cent from $191.9 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Net income attributable to common shareholders declined slightly to $89.3 million from $93.1 million a year earlier.
During the quarter, the company signed shipbuilding contracts for 15 mid-size containerships at a total cost of approximately $1.3 billion. Deliveries are scheduled between the fourth quarter of 2028 and the first quarter of 2030.
Global Ship Lease said the vessels have secured initial multi-year charters that are expected to generate more than $1 billion in adjusted EBITDA.
The company added $1.45 billion in contracted revenue during the first half of 2026 through new charters, charter extensions, and the initial employment of the newbuildings. As of June 30, contracted revenue stood at $3.2 billion, with the fleet fully covered for 2026 and approximately 90 per cent covered for 2027.
Global Ship Lease also agreed to sell four non-core containerships built between 2000 and 2002 for a combined $65.5 million. The vessels Manet, Kumasi, Julie, and Ian H are scheduled for delivery to their new owners upon the expiry of their existing charters between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the fourth quarter of 2027.
Executive Chairman George Youroukos said liner operators continue to place a premium on flexible and reliable mid-size containership capacity. He added that securing long-term charters for the newbuildings immediately reduces investment risk while supporting predictable cash generation over the coming years.
