Global Ship Lease, a leading independent owner of containerships, announced today that it has agreed to purchase and charter back four 8,500 TEU Post-Panamax containerships with an average age of approximately 20 years for an aggregate purchase price of $123.3 million. The charters are to a leading liner operator for a minimum firm period of 24 months each, followed by a 12-month extension at the charterer’s option. The vessels are expected to generate aggregate Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $76.6 million over the minimum firm period, implying an attractive average Purchase Price / Annual Adjusted EBITDA multiple of approximately 3.2x. If all options are exercised, the vessels are expected to generate approximately $95.3 million of aggregate Adjusted EBITDA. With these additions, the Company’s fleet will comprise 68 vessels with a total capacity of 375,406 TEU.
The vessels are scheduled for phased delivery during the second and third quarters of 2023, at which point the vessels will be renamed GSL Alexandra, GSL Sofia, GSL Lydia, and GSL Effie. The Company expects to pay for the ships with a combination of cash on hand and senior secured debt. The floating interest rate exposure of the senior secured debt will be covered under the Company’s existing interest rate caps of 0.75% through the fourth quarter of 2026.
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of these four high-specification, enhanced-efficiency vessels, which both provide GSL with immediate, contracted cash flow from a top-tier counterparty and further increase our fleet’s presence in the in-demand Post-Panamax fleet segment,” said George Youroukos, Executive Chairman of Global Ship Lease. “The transaction offers strong economics, combining predictable contracted cashflows with low residual value risk, consistent with our prior transactions. Additionally, it demonstrates the through-cycle value of our strong balance sheet, deep industry relationships, and disciplined, returns-focused acquisition strategy.”
