Global Ship Lease (GSL) 20-F 29 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	GSL
Entity Registrant Name	Global Ship Lease, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,430,725
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	47,609,734
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,405,956

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 73,266	$ 54,243
Accounts receivable	72	29
Due from related party (note 9)	1,932	906
Prepaid expenses	918	1,146
Other receivables	458	52
Inventory	742	553
Total current assets	77,388	56,929
Vessels in operation (note 4)	597,779	719,110
Other fixed assets	10	7
Intangible assets (note 5)	7	16
Other long term assets (note 7)		195
Total non-current assets	597,796	719,328
Total Assets	675,184	776,257
Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt (note 7)	40,000	31,026
Intangible liability – charter agreements (note 6)	1,771	1,807
Deferred revenue	2,178	1,940
Accounts payable	1,486	963
Due to related party (note 9)	2,813	1,315
Accrued expenses	8,788	11,664
Total current liabilities	57,036	48,715
Long-term debt (note 7)	358,515	388,847
Intangible liability – charter agreements (note 6)	8,011	9,782
Deferred tax liability	17	20
Total long-term liabilities	366,543	398,649
Total Liabilities	423,579	447,364
Commitments and contingencies (note 10)
Stockholders’ Equity
Additional paid in capital	386,748	386,708
Accumulated deficit	(135,693)	(58,365)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	251,605	328,893
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	675,184	776,257
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock	476	476
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock	74	74
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, shares authorized	214,000,000	214,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued	47,609,734	47,575,609
Common stock, shares outstanding	47,609,734	47,575,609
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued	7,405,956	7,405,956
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,405,956	7,405,956
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	16,100	16,100
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares issued	14,000	14,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	14,000	14,000

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Revenues
Time charter revenue	$ 35,044	$ 37,567	$ 31,568
Time charter revenue – related party (note 9)	123,944	128,956	133,351
Total operating revenues	158,988	166,523	164,919
Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses	41,858	44,096	48,238
Vessel operating expenses – related party (note 9)	1,599	1,599	1,866
Depreciation	37,981	42,805	44,859
Impairment of vessels (note 4)	87,624	92,422	44,700
General and administrative	5,301	6,297	6,478
Other operating income (note 8)	(51)	(216)	(475)
Total operating expenses	174,312	187,003	145,666
Operating (Loss) Income	(15,324)	(20,480)	19,253
Non Operating Income (Expense)
Interest income	489	198	62
Interest expense	(59,391)	(44,767)	(48,152)
Loss before Income Taxes	(74,226)	(65,049)	(28,837)
Income taxes	(40)	(46)	(38)
Net Loss	(74,266)	(65,095)	(28,875)
Net Loss available to Common Shareholders	(77,328)	(68,157)	(31,937)
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Non Operating Income (Expense)
Earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Shares (note 11)	(3,062)	(3,062)	(3,062)
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Non Operating Income (Expense)
Net Loss available to Common Shareholders	$ (77,328)	$ (68,157)	$ (31,937)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic (including RSU’s without service conditions) (note 14)	47,975,889	47,854,351	47,785,388
Diluted (note 14)	47,975,889	47,854,351	47,785,388
Net loss per common share
Basic (including RSU’s without service conditions) (note 14)	$ (1.61)	$ (1.42)	$ (0.67)
Diluted (note 14)	$ (1.61)	$ (1.42)	$ (0.67)
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Diluted (note 14)	7,405,956	7,405,956	7,405,956
Weighted average number of Class B common shares outstanding Basic and diluted (note 14)	7,405,956	7,405,956	7,405,956
Net loss per common share
Basic (including RSU’s without service conditions) (note 14)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Diluted (note 14)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net loss	$ (74,266)	$ (65,095)	$ (28,875)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Depreciation	37,981	42,805	44,859
Vessel impairment (note 4)	87,624	92,422	44,700
Gain on sale of vessels (note 4)			(93)
Gain on repurchase of secured notes (note 7)		(2,865)
Amortization of deferred financing costs (note 7)	7,772	3,622	3,374
Amortization of intangible liability	(1,807)	(2,104)	(2,119)
Share based compensation (note 12)	272	283	75
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable and other assets	(441)	219	334
(Increase) decrease in inventory	(188)	57	(160)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and other liabilities	(3,030)	(1,751)	794
Increase (decrease) in related party balances	1,138	738	(2,050)
Increase in unearned revenue	238	1,144	334
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)	2	26	(14)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	57,818	71,152	62,337
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash paid for vessels (note 4)			(108,187)
Net proceeds from sale of vessels (note 4)		(254)	9,513
Cash paid for vessel improvements	(255)
Cash paid for other assets	(8)	(6)	(3)
Cash paid for drydockings	(4,632)	(6,681)	(2,548)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(4,895)	(6,941)	(101,225)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from drawdown of credit facilities (note 7)	54,800		75,000
Repayment of credit facilities (note 7)	(63,575)	(9,500)	(1,925)
Deferred financing costs incurred (note 7)	(12,675)		(971)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities	(33,900)	(63,559)	59,184
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	19,023	652	20,296
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Start of Year	54,243	53,591	33,295
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	73,266	54,243	53,591
Supplemental Information
Total interest paid	43,152	43,134	43,103
Total income tax paid	46	50	69
10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 and 9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Amortization of original issue discount (note 7)	2,523	1,651	1,178
9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of secured notes (note 7)	356,400
10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Repurchase of secured notes (note 7)	(365,788)	(50,997)	(350)
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Series B Preferred Shares – dividends paid (note 11)	$ (3,062)	$ (3,062)	(3,062)
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Class A common shares – dividends paid (note 11)			$ (9,508)

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]Series B Preferred Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 438,136	$ 549	$ 0	$ 386,350	$ 51,237
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		54,947,440	14,000
Restricted Stock Units (note 12)	75			75
Net loss for the year	(28,875)				(28,875)
Dividends on Class A common shares (note 11)	(9,508)				(9,508)
Series B Preferred Shares dividend (note 11)	(3,062)				(3,062)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	396,766	$ 549	$ 0	386,425	9,792
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		54,947,440	14,000
Restricted Stock Units (note 12)	283			283
Shares issued (notes 11, 12)	1	$ 1
Class A common shares issued (notes 11, 12)		34,125
Net loss for the year	(65,095)				(65,095)
Series B Preferred Shares dividend (note 11)	(3,062)				(3,062)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	328,893	$ 550	$ 0	386,708	(58,365)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		54,981,565	14,000
Restricted Stock Units (note 12)	40			40
Class A common shares issued (notes 11, 12)		34,125
Net loss for the year	(74,266)				(74,266)
Series B Preferred Shares dividend (note 11)	(3,062)				(3,062)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 251,605	$ 550	$ 0	$ 386,748	$ (135,693)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		55,015,690	14,000

Consolidated Statement of Chan7

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	1 . On August 14, 2008, Global Ship Lease, Inc. (the “Company”) merged indirectly with Marathon Acquisition Corp. (“Marathon”), a company then listed on The American Stock Exchange. Under the merger agreement, Marathon, a U.S. corporation, first merged with its wholly owned Marshall Islands subsidiary, GSL Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”), with Holdings continuing as the surviving company. Global Ship Lease, Inc., at that time a subsidiary of CMA CGM S.A. (“CMA CGM”), then merged with Holdings, with Holdings again being the surviving company. Holdings was renamed Global Ship Lease, Inc. and became listed on the New York Stock Exchange on August 15, 2008.

Nature of Operations and Basis

Nature of Operations and Basis of Preparation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Preparation	2 . (a) Nature of Operations The Global Ship Lease group owns and charters out containerships. As of December 31, 2017, the group owned 18 vessels; 16 were time chartered to CMA CGM and two to Orient Overseas Container Lines (“OOCL”), with remaining charter periods ranging from 0.7 to 8 years. The following table provides information about the 18 vessels owned as at December 31, 2017: Vessel Name Capacity in TEUs (1) Year Built Purchase Date by GSL Charterer Charter Remaining Duration (years) (2) Daily Charter Rate CMA CGM Matisse 2,262 1999 December 2007 CMA CGM 2.0 $15.300 CMA CGM Utrillo 2,262 1999 December 2007 CMA CGM 1.9 $15.300 Delmas Keta 2,207 2003 December 2007 CMA CGM 0.7 $7.800 Julie Delmas 2,207 2002 December 2007 CMA CGM 0.7 $7.800 Kumasi (3) 2,207 2002 December 2007 CMA CGM 3.0 $9.800 Marie Delmas (3) 2,207 2002 December 2007 CMA CGM 3.0 $9.800 CMA CGM La Tour 2,272 2001 December 2007 CMA CGM 2.0 $15.300 CMA CGM Manet 2,272 2001 December 2007 CMA CGM 1.9 $15.300 CMA CGM Alcazar 5,089 2007 January 2008 CMA CGM 3.0 $33.750 CMA CGM Château d’lf 5,089 2007 January 2008 CMA CGM 3.0 $33.750 CMA CGM Thalassa 11,040 2008 December 2008 CMA CGM 8.0 $47.200 CMA CGM Jamaica 4,298 2006 December 2008 CMA CGM 5.0 $25.350 CMA CGM Sambhar 4,045 2006 December 2008 CMA CGM 5.0 $25.350 CMA CGM America 4,045 2006 December 2008 CMA CGM 5.0 $25.350 CMA CGM Berlioz 6,621 2001 August 2009 CMA CGM 3.7 $34.000 GSL Tianjin (4) 8,063 2005 October 2014 CMA CGM 0.9 $13.000 OOCL Qingdao 8,063 2004 March 2015 OOCL 1.1 $34.500 OOCL Ningbo 8,063 2004 September 2015 OOCL 0.8 $34.500 (1) Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (2) As at December 31, 2017 to mid-point of re-delivery period, updated for subsequent charter extensions. Plus or minus 90 days, other than (i) Julie Delmas and Delmas Keta which are plus or minus 45 days, (ii) Kumasi and Marie Delmas see footnote 3 below, (3) The charters for Kumasi and Marie Delmas were amended in July 2016 to, inter alia, provide us with three consecutive options to extend the charters at $9,800 per day. The first of these options was exercised in July 2017, extending the charters to end 2018. The two remaining options allow us to extend the charters to December 31, 2020 plus or minus 90 days at charterer’s option. The earliest possible re-delivery date, not taking into account our remaining options, is shown in the table. (4) A new time charter for GSL Tianjin, formerly named OOCL Tianjin, with CMA CGM commenced October 25, 2017, immediately upon re-delivery from its previous charter to OOCL, at a fixed rate of $13,000 per day for a period of three to eight months at the charterer’s option. The charter was extended with effect from January 26, 2018 at a fixed rate of $11,900 per day for a period of eight to 12 months, at charterer’s option. The new period is reflected in the table. (5) In February 2018, the charter for OOCL Qingdao was extended with effect from March 11, 2018 at a fixed rate of $14,000 per day. Redelivery is now between January 1, 2019 and March 15, 2019, at the charterer’s option 2 . (a) Nature of Operations (continued) Segment Information The activity of the Company currently consists solely of the ownership and chartering out of containerships. (b) Basis of Preparation Counterparty risk The majority of the Company’s revenues are derived from charters to CMA CGM. The Company is consequently highly dependent on the performance by CMA CGM of its obligations under these charters. The container shipping industry is volatile and is currently experiencing a sustained cyclical downturn. Many container shipping companies have reported financial losses. If CMA CGM ceases doing business or fails to perform its obligations under the charters, the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations would be materially adversely affected as it is probable that, even if the Company was able to find replacement charters, such replacement charters would be at significantly lower daily rates and shorter durations. If such events occur, there would be significant uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, nor to the amounts and classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	3. Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated on consolidation. (b) Use of estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (c) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. (d) Accounts receivable The Company carries its accounts receivable at cost less, if appropriate, an allowance for doubtful accounts, based on a periodic review of accounts receivable, taking into account past write-offs, collections and current credit conditions. The Company does not generally charge interest on past-due accounts. Allowances for doubtful accounts amount to $ nil as of December 31, 2017 (2016: $ nil). 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) (e) Vessels Vessels acquired up to the date of the merger described in note 1, were initially recorded at their acquisition cost, less an amount allocated to drydock component, less accumulated depreciation. From the date of the merger, these vessels have been recorded at their fair value at the date of the merger, less a proportion of the negative goodwillarising at the time of the merger allocated to these vessels, less subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment loss, if any. In connection with the merger, the Company recognised an intangible asset, in respect of the five vessels yet to be purchased as at the date of the merger, arising from the comparison of the acquisition prices in the asset purchase agreement between the Company as buyer and CMA CGM as seller and the estimated fair values at the merger date of the vessels yet to be purchased. This intangible asset was transferred to the cost of the appropriate vessel on delivery and as all such vessels have now been delivered, no intangible asset remains in respect of these vessels. Vessels acquired after the merger are stated at acquisition cost, consisting of the contract price and expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition, less accumulated depreciation. Subsequent expenditures for major improvements and upgrading are capitalized, provided they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessel. Borrowing costs incurred during the construction of vessels or as part of the prefinancing of the acquisition of vessels are capitalized. There was no capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. Other borrowing costs are expensed as incurred. Vessels are depreciated to their estimated residual value using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they reflect current technology, service potential and vessel structure. The useful lives are estimated to be 30 years from original delivery by the shipyard. Prepayments and costs directly related to the future acquisition of specific vessels are presented in the Consolidated (f) Drydocking costs An element of the purchase price of a vessel is allocated to a drydock component which is amortized on a straight line basis to the next anticipated drydocking date. Vessels are drydocked approximately every five years for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. Costs directly associated with a drydocking, including the required regulatory inspection of the vessel, its hull and its machinery and for the defouling and repainting of the hull are capitalized as they are incurred and depreciated on a straight line basis over the period between drydocks. Capitalized drydocking costs are classified within investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. (g) Intangible liabilities – charter agreements In connection with the merger (see note 1), the Company recognised an intangible liability using the market approach whereby the Company's actual charter rates were compared to market rates at the merger date. These intangible liabilities, recognizing the below market rates as at the date of merger, are amortized, giving rise to an increase of time charter revenue, over the remaining term of the relevant charters. (h) Long-lived assets Fixed assets such as vessels are reviewed individually for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment charge is recognized when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the asset over its estimated remaining useful life is less than its carrying amount and is recorded equal to the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is the net present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted by an appropriate discount rate. 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) The assumptions used involve a considerable degree of estimation. Actual conditions may differ significantly from the assumptions and thus actual cash flows may be significantly different to those estimated with a material effect on the recoverability of each vessel’s carrying amount. The most significant assumptions made for the determination of expected cash flows are (i) charter rates on expiry of existing charters, which are based on forecast charter rates, where relevant, for the four years from the date of the impairment test and a reversion to the historical mean for each vessel thereafter (ii) off-hire days, which are based on actual off-hire statistics for the Company’s fleet (iii) operating costs, based on current levels escalated over time based on long term trends (iv) dry docking frequency, duration and cost and (v) estimated useful life which is assessed as a total of 30 years from original delivery by the shipyard. In the case of an indication of impairment, the results of a recoverability test would also be sensitive to the discount rate applied. ( i ) Deferred financing costs Costs incurred in connection with obtaining long term debt and in obtaining amendments to existing facilities are recorded as deferred financing costs and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the estimated duration of the related debt. Such costs include fees paid to the lenders or on the lenders’ behalf and associated legal and other professional fees. Debt issuance costs, other than any up-front arrangement fee for revolving credit facilities, related to a recognized debt liability are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt. Arrangement fees for revolving credit facilities are shown within Other Long Term Assets. (j) Preferred shares Series A Preferred Shares were included within Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, up to their redemption in August 2014, and the dividends were included within interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income as their nature was similar to that of a liability rather than equity. Holders of these mandatorily redeemable preferred shares were entitled to receive a dividend equal to 3-month USD LIBOR plus 2% on the original issue price and ranked senior to the Class A and Class B common shares with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. Series B Preferred Shares have been included within Equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, from their issue in August 2014, and the dividends are presented as a reduction of Retained Earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity as their nature is similar to that of an equity instrument rather than a liability. Holders of these redeemable perpetual preferred shares, which may only be redeemed at the discretion of the Company, are entitled to receive a dividend equal to 8.75% on the original issue price and rank senior to the Class A and Class B common shares with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. (k) Classification of long term debt Long term debt is classified within current liabilities unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date. 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) (l) Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss), which is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss). Under ASU 2011-05, an entity reporting comprehensive income in a single continuous financial statement shall present its components in two sections, net income and other comprehensive income. As the Company does not, to date, have other comprehensive income, the accompanying consolidated financial statements only include Consolidated Statements of Income. (m) Revenue recognition and related operating expense The Company charters out its vessels on time charters which involves placing a vessel at a charterer’s disposal for a period of time during which the charterer uses the vessel in return for the payment of a specified daily hire rate. Such charters are accounted for as operating leases and therefore revenue is recognized on a straight line basis as the average revenues over the rental periods of such charter agreements, as service is performed. Cash received in excess of earned revenue is recorded as deferred revenue. If a time charter contains one or more consecutive option periods, then subject to the options being exercisable solely by the Company, the time charter revenue will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the total remaining life of the time charter, including any options which are more likely than not to be exercised. Any difference between the charter rate invoiced and the time charter revenue recognized is classified as, or released from, deferred revenue within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under time charter arrangements the Company, as owner, is responsible for all the operating expenses of the vessels, such as crew costs, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and such costs are expensed as incurred. (n) Foreign currency transactions The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar as substantially all revenues and a majority of expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet dates. Expenses paid in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the transaction date. Exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of net income (loss). (o) Repairs and maintenance All expenditures relating to routine maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred. (p) Insurance The Company maintains hull and machinery insurance, war risks insurance, protection and indemnity insurance coverage, increased value insurance, and freight, demurrage and defence insurance coverage in amounts considered prudent to cover normal risks in the ordinary course of its operations. Premiums paid in advance to insurance providers are recognized as prepaid expenses and are expensed over the period covered by the insurance contract. (q) Share based compensation The Company may award restricted stock units to its management and Directors as part of their compensation. The fair value of restricted stock unit grants is determined by reference to the quoted stock price on the date of grant, adjusted for estimated dividends forgone until the restricted stock units vest. Compensation expense is recognized based on a graded expense model over the expected vesting period. (r) Income taxes The Company and its Marshall Island subsidiaries are exempt from taxation in the Marshall Islands. The Company’s vessels are flagged in Bahamas, Cyprus, Hong Kong and Panama and are liable for tax based on the tonnage of the vessel. The cost, which is included within operating expenses, amounted to $72, $93 and $124 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Cyprus and Hong Kong subsidiaries are liable for income tax on any interest income earned from non-shipping activity. 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) The Company has one subsidiary in the United Kingdom, where the principal rate of corporate income tax is 19% (2016: 20%, 2015: 20%). This subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow group companies. The Company accounts for deferred income taxes using the liability method which requires the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities, based upon temporary timing differences that arise between the financial statement and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. The net deferred tax asset is adjusted by a valuation allowance where appropriate, if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2017 a deferred tax liability of $17 (2016: $20) was recognized relating to stock based compensation costs charged to the Consolidated Statements of Income in respect of unvested shares and timing differences between the carrying amounts of assets for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based solely on the technical merits of the position. (s) Inventories Inventories consist of bunkers and lubricants on board certain of the vessels. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value as determined using the first-in, first-out method. (t) Dividends Dividends are recorded in the period in which they are declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. Dividends to be paid are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the line item “Dividends payable”. (u) Earnings per share Basic earnings per common share are based on income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by applying the treasury stock method. All unvested restricted stock units that have a dilutive effect are included in the calculation. The basic and diluted earnings per share for the period are presented for each category of participating common shares under the two-class method. (v) Recently issued accounting standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which supercedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The effective date is for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The ASU requires the Company to (i) identify the contracts(s) with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company expects that its time charter arrangements contain a service component, for example the provision of crew, that may fall within the scope of this standard. However, the Company does not expect the application of this standard to have a material impact on the financial statements, as it understands the proposed amendments to ASC 842 (see below) allowing entities not to separate the non-lease component can also be applied under the lease accounting standard applicable during 2018 (ASC 840). In February 2016, FASB issued an accounting standards update (ASC 2016-02) in respect of leases (Topic 842). The update makes significant changes to the accounting requirements for lessees, who will be required to recognize right-of-use assets with a corresponding lease liability for all but short-term leases. The standard is to be adopted using a modified retrospective transition. The accounting requirements for lessors remain largely unchanged. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 although early application is permitted. The standard requires the Company to identify lease and non-lease components of a lease agreement. Lease components relate to the right to use the leased asset and non-lease components (or service components) relate to payments for goods or services that are transferred separately from the right to use the underlying asset. Total lease consideration is allocated to lease and non-lease components. On November 29, 2017, the FASB proposed amendments to ASC 842 to add two practical expedients which would allow entities to elect for a simplified transition approach, and provide lessors with an option to simplify how lease and other related revenues are presented and disclosed. The Company will adopt ASC 842 with effect from January 1, 2019, and does not anticipate, beyond additional disclosures, any material impact on the financial statements. 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, would have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Vessels in Operation, less Accu

Vessels in Operation, less Accumulated Depreciation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Vessels in Operation, less Accumulated Depreciation	4 . December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost $ 1,003,440 $ 1,095,275 Accumulated Depreciation (318,037 ) (283,743 ) Vessel impairment during period (87,624 ) (92,422 ) Net book value $ 597,779 $ 719,110 Whilst charter rates in the spot market and asset values saw improvements through 2017, taking into account the seasonal as well as cyclical nature of the container shipping industry, the recovery is not considered to have been sufficiently sustained not to undertake a fleet-wide review for impairment as at December 31, 2017; which resulted in an impairment charge on five vessels, totalling $87,624, being recognised in the three months ended December 31, 2017. In October 2017, a new charter of GSL Tianjin was agreed with CMA CGM for a period of three to eight months (at the charterer’s option) at a fixed rate of $13,000 per day, commencing October 25, 2017, immediately upon re-delivery from its previous charter to OOCL. The new charter triggered the performance of an impairment test on the vessel. No impairment was identified. An impairment test was performed on all vessels as at December 31, 2016 (see note 3), which resulted in an impairment charge on four vessels, totalling $63,065, being recognised in the three months ended December 31, 2016. Impairment tests were performed on two of the group’s vessels as at July 31, 2016, following amendments to the terms of their charters (see note 3), which resulted in an impairment charge of $29,357 being recognised in the three months ended September 30, 2016. Ville d’Aquarius and Ville d’Orion were redelivered at the end of their charters during the fourth quarter of 2015 and the sales of the vessels were agreed and completed in November 2016 and December 2015, respectively. These vessels were impaired as at September 30, 2015 by $22,203 and $22,497 respectively to their fair value less estimated costs to sell. Following completion of the sales, a gain on sale was recognised in the amount of $93, measured against the revised carrying value, and this is presented in Other Operating Income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Variations in net book value of vessels, including drydocking, are presented below: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Opening balance $ 719,110 $ 846,939 Additions in the period 4,260 7,370 Depreciation expense (37,967 ) (42,777 ) Vessel impairment (87,624 ) (92,422 ) Closing balance $ 597,779 $ 719,110 As of December 31, 2017, all of the 18 vessels were pledged as collateral under the 2022 Notes and the Secured Term Loan (see note 7).

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	5 . December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Software development: Opening balance $ 16 $ 39 Depreciation (9 ) (23 ) Closing balance $ 7 $ 16

Intangible Liability - Charter

Intangible Liability - Charter Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block [Abstract]
Intangible Liability - Charter Agreements	6. Intangible Liability – Charter Agreements December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Opening balance $ 11,589 $ 13,693 Amortization in period (1,807 ) (2,104 ) Closing balance $ 9,782 $ 11,589 Intangible liabilities relate to management’s estimate of the fair value of below-market charters on August 14, 2008, the date of the merger (see note 1). The intangible liabilities are being amortized for each vessel over the remaining life of the associated charter. The fair value was estimated by management based on its experience with regard to availability of similar vessels, costs to build new vessels and current market demand. The contracted lease rates were compared to the estimated market lease rates for similar vessels. The intangible liabilities were determined by discounting the difference in the projected lease cash flows using a discount rate of 8.0% and the remaining length of the charter as the relevant time period. Amortization of the intangible liabilities for the 12 vessels in the company’s fleet as of the date of the merger began on the date following the merger and for the remaining five vessels purchased by the Company after the merger, amortization commenced upon delivery. These intangible liabilities are amortized over the remaining term of the relevant charter, giving rise to an increase in time charter revenue.

Long Term Debt

Long Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long Term Debt	7. Long Term Debt December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 2019 Notes $ — $ 420,000 2022 Notes 360,000 — Less repurchase of Notes (note 7(a)) — (54,212 ) Less original issue discount (3,600 ) (6,300 ) Amortization of original issue discount 133 3,910 2022 Notes / 2019 Notes (note 7(d) and (a)) 356,533 363,398 Revolving Credit Facility (note 7(b)) — 39,200 Secured Term Loan (note 7(c)) — 24,375 Super Senior Term Loan (note 7(e)) 54,800 — Less: Deferred financing costs (note 7(e)) (12,818 ) (7,100 ) Balance 398,515 419,873 Less: Current portion of 2019 Notes (note 7(a)) — (19,501 ) Less: Current portion of Secured Term Loan (note 7(c)) — (11,525 ) Less: Current portion of Super Senior Term Loan (note 7(e)) (40,000 ) — Non-current portion of Long-Term Debt $ 358,515 $ 388,847 a) 10.0% First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 In March 2014 the Company issued $ 420,000 of 10.0% First Priority Secured Notes with a final maturity on April 1, 2019. The outstanding 2019 Notes were fully repaid and terminated on November 22, 2017 using proceeds of the issue of the (see note 7(d)). Interest on the 2019 Notes was payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The 2019 Notes were secured by first priority ship mortgages on 16 of the Company’s 18 vessels and by assignments of earnings and insurances, a pledge over certain bank accounts, as well as share pledges over each subsidiary owning the 16 mortgaged vessels. In addition, the 2019 Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Company’s 18 vessel owning subsidiaries and Global Ship Lease Services Limited. The original issue discount was amortised on an effective interest rate basis over the life of the 2019 Notes. Under the terms of the 2019 Notes, the Company was required within 120 days following the end of each financial year in which the Company has at least $1,000 of Excess Cash Flow, as defined, to offer to purchase up to a maximum offer amount of $20,000, such amount being the aggregate of 102% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, up to, but not including, the purchase date. The first such offer, for 2014, in the maximum amount of $20,000, was made on April 21, 2015. At the close of this offer, $350 nominal amount of 2019 Notes was tendered and accepted. Following the sale of two vessels in November and December 2015 which were secured to the 2019 Notes, the Company was required to offer the net sale proceeds, less a proportion used to repay part of the Revolving Credit Facility (see note 7(b)), to Noteholders (“Collateral Sale Offer”). The terms of the Collateral Sale Offer were the same as those of the annual Excess Cash Flow Offer. Consequently, on February 2, 2016, the Company launched a combined Excess Cash Flow Offer for 2015 and the Collateral Sale Offer in an aggregate amount of $28,417 (“Maximum Offer Amount”), at a purchase price of 102% of the aggregate principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, up to, but not including, the purchase date. At the close of this offer, the nominal amount of 2019 Notes tendered exceeded the Maximum Offer Amount and $26,662 principal amount of 2019 Notes were accepted on a pro rata basis. The third Excess Cash Flow offer, for 2016, in the maximum amount of $20,000, was launched on March 22, 2017. At the close of this offer on April 19, 2017, the 2019 Notes tendered exceeded the Maximum Offer Amount and $19,501 nominal amount of the 2019 Notes was accepted on a pro rata basis. In May, August and November, 2016, the Company purchased $4,200, $5,000 and $18,000 principal amount of 2019 Notes respectively, in the open market. This gave rise to gains of $452, $475 and $1,938, which are included within Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These Notes were subsequently cancelled. 7. Long Term Debt (continued) b) Revolving Credit Facility On March 19, 2014, and in connection with the 2019 Notes, the Company entered into a $40,000 senior secured revolving credit facility with Citibank N.A. (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with a final maturity on October 1, 2018. The interest rate under the facility was USD LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25% and was payable at least quarterly. The outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility was fully repaid on October 31, 2017 using proceeds of the Super Senior Term Loan (see note 7(e)). c ) Secured Term Loan On July 29, 2015, the Company entered into a $35,000 secured term loan with DVB Bank SE (the “Secured Term Loan”) with a maturity five years after drawdown, with early repayment, inter alia, if the 2019 Notes were not refinanced by November 30, 2018, or if the secured vessel ceased to be employed on a charter for a period in excess of 90 days. This Secured Term Loan was fully repaid on October 26, 2017 using proceeds of the new Super Senior Term Loan (see note 7(e)) and cash on hand. The Secured Term Loan bore interest at USD LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% and was payable at least quarterly. The Secured Term Loan was secured by a first priority ship mortgage on OOCL Tianjin and by assignment of earnings and insurances for the same vessel. d ) 9.875% First Priority Secured Notes due 2022 On October 31, 2017 the Company completed the sale of $360,000 of 9.875% First Priority Secured Notes (“the 2022 Notes”) which mature on November 15, 2022. Proceeds after the deduction of the original issue discount, but before expenses, amounted to $356,400. Interest on the 2022 Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2018. As at December 31, 2017 the 2022 Notes were secured by first priority ship mortgages on all of the Company’s 18 vessels (the “Mortgaged Vessels”) and by assignments of earnings and insurances, pledges over certain bank accounts, as well as share pledges over each subsidiary owning a Mortgaged Vessel. In addition, the 2022 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Company’s 18 vessel owning subsidiaries and Global Ship Lease Services Limited. The Company is required to have a minimum cash balance of $20,000 on each test date, being March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 in each year. The original issue discount is being amortised on an effective interest rate basis over the life of the 2022 Notes. The Company is required to repay $40,000 each year for the first three years and $35,000 thereafter, across both the 2022 Notes and the new Super Senior Term Loan. The new Super Senior Term Loan has minimum fixed amortization whereas as long as amounts are outstanding under that Term Loan amortization of the 2022 notes is at the option of the noteholders. Around the first and second anniversary of the issue of the 2022 Notes, the Company will offer to redeem $20,000 of the 2022 Notes at a purchase price of 102%. Any such offer not accepted will be applied to repay the Super Senior Term Loan at par. Should the amount outstanding under the Super Senior Term Loan be insufficient to absorb the total amount to be repaid, the excess will be mandatorily redeemed against the 2022 Notes at 102%. Around the third anniversary of the issue of the 2022 Notes, the Company will mandatorily redeem $40,000 of the 2022 Notes at a purchase price of 102%, less any amount remaining under the Super Senior Term Loan. Around the fourth anniversary of the issue of the 2022 Notes, the Company will mandatorily redeem $35,000 of the 2022 Notes at a purchase price of 102%. e ) Super Senior Term Loan On October 26, 2017, and in connection with the 2022 Notes, the Company entered into a new $54,800 Super Senior Term Loan with Citibank N.A. (the “Super Senior Term Loan”). The term loan was drawn down in full on October 31, 2017 and matures no later than October 31, 2020. The interest rate is USD LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25% and is payable at least quarterly. Amortization, which may be increased as described in note 7(d) above, is payable semi-annually and is a minimum of $20,000 in each of the first and second years with the balance to be repaid in the third year. The collateral provided to the 2022 Notes also secures on a first priority basis the Super Senior Term Loan. The Company is required to have a minimum cash balance of $20,000 on each test date, being March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 in each year. 7. Long Term Debt (continued) f) Repayment Schedule Based on scheduled repayments from January 1, 2018 the long term debt, comprising the 2022 Notes and the Super Senior Term Loan, will be reduced in each of the relevant periods as follows: Year ending December 31, 2018 $ 40,000 2019 40,000 2020 40,000 2021 35,000 2022 259,800 414,800 Less: original issue discount (3,467 ) Less: deferred financing costs (12,818 ) $ 398,515 g ) Deferred Financing Costs December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Opening balance $ 7,100 $ 10,611 Expenditure in the period 13,177 — Amortization included within interest expense (7,459 ) (3,511 ) Closing balance $ 12,818 $ 7,100 Costs amounting to $13,117 were incurred in connection with the Company’s issue of the 2022 Notes and agreeing the Super Senior Term Loan. These are being amortized on an effective interest rate basis over the life of the financings for which they were incurred. The remaining unamortized balance of deferred financing costs relating to the 2019 Notes, Revolving Credit Facility and the Secured Term Loan which were fully repaid and terminated in October 2017 amounting to $4,191 was written off and recorded within interest expense within the Consolidated Statements of Income. As the replacement of the Revolving Credit Facility with the Super Senior Term Loan is deemed to be a debt modification, the remaining unamortized balance of deferred financing costs related to the Revolving Credit Facility are being carried forward and being amortized with the costs of the Super Senior Term Loan.

Other Operating Income

Other Operating Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other Operating Income	8 . Other operating income is summarized as follows: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Sundry shipping income $ 51 $ 216 $ 382 Gain on sale of vessels — — 93 $ 51 $ 216 $ 475

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	9 . CMA CGM is presented as a related party as it was, until the merger referred to in note 1, the parent company of Global Ship Lease, Inc. and at December 31, 2017 is a significant shareholder of the Company, owning Class A and Class B common shares representing a 44.4% voting interest in the Company. Amounts due to and from CMA CGM companies are shown in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The current account balances at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 relate to amounts payable to or recoverable from CMA CGM group companies. The majority of the Company’s charter arrangements are with CMA CGM and one of its subsidiaries provides the Company with ship management services on the majority of its vessels. Time Charter Agreements The majority of the Company’s time charter arrangements are with CMA CGM. Under these time charters, hire is payable in advance and the daily rate is fixed for the duration of the charter. The charters are for remaining periods as at December 31, 2017 of between 0.7 and 8.0 years (see note 2(a)). Of the $481,701 maximum contracted future charter hire receivable for the fleet set out in note 10, $468,764 relates to the 16 vessels that were chartered to CMA CGM as at December 31, 2017. Ship Management Agreements At December 31, 2017, the Company outsourced day to day technical management of 13 of its vessels to CMA Ships Limited (“CMA Ships”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CMA CGM. The Company pays CMA Ships an annual management fee of $123 per vessel (2016: $123, 2015: $123) and reimburses costs incurred by CMA Ships on its behalf, mainly being for the provision of crew, lubricating oils and routine maintenance. Such reimbursement is subject to a cap per day per vessel, depending on the vessel. The impact of the cap is determined annually on a vessel by vessel basis for so long as the initial charters remain in place; no claims have been made under the cap agreement. Ship management fees related to CMA Ships are shown separately in the Consolidated Statements of Income . Except for transactions with CMA CGM companies, the Company did not enter into any other related party transactions.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	10. Commitments and Contingencies Charter Hire Receivable The Company has entered into time charters for its vessels. The charter hire is fixed for the duration of the charter. The maximum contracted annual future charter hire receivable (not allowing for any offhire and assuming expiry at the mid-point between the earliest and latest possible end dates) for the 18 vessels as at December 31, 2017, and assuming the options included in the charters for Kumasi and Marie Delmas are exercised, is as follows: Year ending December 31, 2018 132,423 2019 110,439 2020 89,432 2021 53,917 2022 43,837 Thereafter 51,653 $ 481,701

Share Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Share Capital	11 . At December 31 • firstly, to all Class A common shares at the applicable rate for the quarter; • secondly, to all Class A common shares until they have received payment for all preceding quarters at the rate of $0.23 per share per quarter; • thirdly, to all Class B common shares at the applicable rate for the quarter; • then, to all Class A and B common shares as if they were a single class. The Class B common shares remain subordinated until the Company has paid a dividend at least equal to $0.23 per quarter per share on both the Class A and Class B common shares for the immediately preceding four-quarter period. Due to the requirements described above, Class B common shares cannot receive any dividend until all Class A common shares have received dividends representing $0.23 per share per quarter for all preceding quarters. Should the notional arrearages of dividend on the Class A common shares be made up and a dividend at the rate of $0.23 per share be paid for four consecutive quarters, the Class B common shares convert to Class A common shares on a one-for-one basis. Also, each Class B common share will convert into a Class A common share on a change of control of the Company. A dividend of $0.10 per Class A common share was paid on August 24, 2015 and on November 24, 2015. Prior to these, the last quarter for which a dividend was paid was the fourth quarter 2008 at $0.23 per Class A common share. Restricted stock units have been granted periodically to the Directors and management, under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as part of their compensation arrangements (see note 13). On August 28, 2015, the Company adopted the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan was closed. The 2015 Plan which permits a maximum issuance of 1,500,000 shares. On December 29, 2017, 34,125 shares were issued under the 2015 Plan, representing 20% of the directors’ base fee for 2017. On March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 30, 2016, 8,529, 8,534, 8,534 and 8,528 shares respectively, were issued under the 2015 Plan, representing 20% of directors’ base fee for quarters ended March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2016. In both years, the number of shares issued was determined on the basis of a notional value per share of $4.00 rather than market values. 11 . On August 20, 2014, the Company issued 1,400,000 depositary shares, each of which represents 1/100 th

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	12. Share-Based Compensation In August 2008, the Company’s Board adopted the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”), which enables management, consultants and Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries to receive options, stock appreciation rights, stock grants, stock units and dividend equivalents. The 2008 Plan is administered by the Board or a committee of the Board. The maximum aggregate number of Class A common shares that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2008 Plan during the 10-year term of the Plan was 1,500,000. The maximum number of Class A common shares with respect to which awards may be granted to any participant in the 2008 Plan in any fiscal year was 500,000. Awards totaling 1,498,123 Class A common shares were made under the 2008 Plan until it was closed for new awards in August 2015, when the 2015 Plan was adopted (see below). The holder of a stock grant awarded under the 2008 Plan has the same voting, dividend and other rights as the Company’s other Class A common shareholders when the grant vests and the shares are issued. On August 28, 2015, the Company adopted the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which allows the Board of Directors to grant employees, consultants and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries options, stock appreciation rights, stock grants, stock units and dividend equivalents on substantially the same terms as the 2008 Plan, which was closed for further awards. The 2015 Plan permits a maximum issuance of 1,500,000 shares. Under both the 2008 Plan and 2015 Plan, the Company issued the following share based awards since January 1, 2014: Restricted Stock Units Number of Units Management Directors Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date Actual Fair Value on Vesting Date Unvested as at January 1, 2015 300,000 — $ 3.25 n/a Vested in 2015 — — — n/a Unvested as at December 31, 2015 300,000 — $ 3.25 n/a Granted in March 2016 200,000 — 1.18 n/a Unvested as at December 31, 2016 500,000 — $ 2.42 n/a Granted in 2017 — — — n/a Unvested as at December 31, 2017 500,000 — $ 2.42 n/a Under the 2008 Plan, restricted stock units granted to four members of management on September 2, 2011 were to vest over two years; half during September and October 2012 and the remaining half during September and October 2013. In March 2012, these grants were amended and restated to provide that vesting would occur only when the individual leaves employment, for whatever reason, provided that this was after September 30, 2012 in respect of half of the grant and after September 30, 2013 for the other half of the grant. Restricted stock units granted to management on March 13, 2012 are expected to vest when the individual leaves employment, provided that this is after September 30, 2014 and is not as a result of resignation or termination for cause. Restricted stock units granted to management on March 7, 2013 are expected to vest when the individual leaves employment, provided that this is after September 30, 2015 and is not as a result of resignation or termination for cause. 12. Share-Based Compensation (continued) For the grants issued on March 13, 2012 and March 7, 2013, the fair value at the grant date was the closing price for the common stock on that date. The share value has not been discounted as no dividends were expected to be paid on the common stock at that time. Under the 2015 Plan, restricted stock units granted to four members of management on March 3, 2016 were divided into two tranches. The first tranche (100,000 restricted stock units)) will vest when the individual leaves employment, provided that this is after December 31, 2016 and is not for cause. The second tranche (100,000 restricted stock units) also vests after December 31, 2016 on the same terms, but, in addition, only if and when the stock price has been at or above $5.00 for 20 consecutive trading days and provided that this has occurred before December 31, 2019. Under the 2015 Plan, restricted stock units were granted on January 8, 2018 to five members of management as part of their 2017 remuneration, in two tranches. The first tranche (100,000 restricted stock units)) will vest when the individual leaves employment, provided that this is after March 31, 2018 and is not for cause. The second tranche (100,000 restricted stock units) also vests after March 31, 2018 on the same terms, but, in addition, only if and when the stock price has been at or above $3.00 for 20 consecutive trading days and provided that this has occurred before December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, 34,125 shares were issued under the 2015 Plan, representing 20% of directors’ base fee for 2017 and 2016 respectively. The number of shares to be issued was determined on the basis of a notional value per share of $4.00 rather than market values. Using the graded vesting method of expensing the restricted stock unit grants, the weighted average fair value of the stock units is recognized as compensation costs in the consolidated statement of income over the vesting period. The fair value of the restricted stock units for this purpose is calculated by multiplying the number of stock units by the fair value of the shares at the grant date, which is discounted for dividends forfeited over the vesting period. The Company has not factored any anticipated forfeiture into these calculations based on the limited number of participants. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized a total of $272 (2016: $283, 2015: $75) in respect of share based compensation costs. As at December 31, 2017 there were no unrecognized compensation costs relating to the above share based awards (2016: $ nil).

Risks Associated with Concentra

Risks Associated with Concentration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Risks Associated with Concentration	13 . The Company is exposed to certain concentration risks that may adversely affect the Company’s financial position in the near term: ( i ) The Company derives the majority of its revenue from CMA CGM which is exposed to the cyclicality of the container shipping industry. (ii) There is a concentration of credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 to the extent that substantially all of the amounts are deposited with three banks (2016; three banks). However, the Company believes this risk is remote as the banks are high credit quality financial institutions.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	14 . Basic earnings per common share is presented under the two-class method and is computed by dividing the earnings applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Under the two class method, net income, if any, is first reduced by the amount of dividends declared in respect of common shares for the current period, if any, and the remaining earnings are allocated to common shares and participating securities to the extent that each security can share the earnings assuming all earnings for the period are distributed. The Class B common shareholders’ dividend rights are subordinated to those of holders of Class A common shares (see note 11). Net income for the relevant period is allocated based on the contractual rights of each class of security and as there was insufficient net income to allow any dividend on the Class B common shares no earnings were allocated to Class B common shares. Losses are only allocated to participating securities in a period of net loss if, based on the contractual terms, the relevant common shareholders have an obligation to participate in such losses. No such obligation exists for Class B common shareholders and, accordingly, losses would only be allocated to the Class A common shareholders. At December 31, 2017, there were 500,000 restricted stock units granted and unvested as part of management’s equity incentive plan. As of December 31, 2017 only Class A and B common shares are participating securities. 14 . For the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the diluted weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding is the same as the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding, including the RSU’s without service conditions. The diluted weighted average number of shares excludes the outstanding share-based incentive awards as these would have had an antidilutive effect. (In thousands, except share data) Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015 Class A common shares Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (B) 47,575,889 47,554,351 47,541,484 Weighted average number of RSU’s without service conditions (note 12) (B) 400,000 300,000 243,904 Dilutive effect of share-based incentive awards — — — Common shares and common share equivalents (F) 47,975,889 47,854,351 47,785,388 Class B common shares Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (D) 7,405,956 7,405,956 7,405,956 Dilutive effect of share-based incentive awards — — — Common shares (H) 7,405,956 7,405,956 7,405,956 Basic Earnings per Share Net loss available to common shareholders $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Available to: - Class A shareholders for period $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) - Class A shareholders for arrears — — — - Class B shareholders for period — — — - allocate pro-rata between Class A and B — — — Net loss available for Class A (A) $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Net income (loss) available for Class B (C) — — — Basic Earnings per share: Class A (A/B) $ (1.61 ) $ (1.42 ) $ (0.67 ) Class B (C/D) — — — Diluted Earnings per Share Net loss available to common shareholders $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Available to: - Class A shareholders for period $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) - Class A shareholders for arrears — — — - Class B shareholders for period — — — - allocate pro rata between Class A and B — — — Net loss available for Class A (E) $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Net income (loss) available for Class B (G) — — — Diluted Earnings per share: Class A (E/F) $ (1.61 ) $ (1.42 ) $ (0.67 ) Class B (G/H) — — —

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	15 . In January 2018, the charter for GSL Tianjin to CMA CGM was extended with effect from January 26, 2018 at a fixed rate of $11,900 per day for a period of eight to 12 months, at charterer’s option. In February 2018, the charter for OOCL Qingdao to OOCL was extended with effect from March 11, 2018 at a fixed rate of $14,000 per day. Redelivery is now between January 1, 2019 and March 15, 2019, at the charterer’s option. On March 1, 2018, the Company announced that it had agreed to acquire a 2005-built, 2,800 TEU containership for a purchase price of $11.3 million. Following delivery, which is expected to be during the second quarter of 2018 once the existing charter terminates, the vessel will commence charter employment with CMA CGM for a period of 12 months at a fixed rate of $9,000 per day. A dividend of $54.6875 per Series B Preferred Share was declared on March 1, 2018 for the first quarter 2018.

Significant Accounting Polici23

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of consolidation	(a) Basis of consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated on consolidation.
Use of estimates	(b) Use of estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	(c) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Accounts receivable	(d) Accounts receivable The Company carries its accounts receivable at cost less, if appropriate, an allowance for doubtful accounts, based on a periodic review of accounts receivable, taking into account past write-offs, collections and current credit conditions. The Company does not generally charge interest on past-due accounts. Allowances for doubtful accounts amount to $ nil as of December 31, 2017 (2016: $ nil).
Vessels	(e) Vessels Vessels acquired up to the date of the merger described in note 1, were initially recorded at their acquisition cost, less an amount allocated to drydock component, less accumulated depreciation. From the date of the merger, these vessels have been recorded at their fair value at the date of the merger, less a proportion of the negative goodwillarising at the time of the merger allocated to these vessels, less subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment loss, if any. In connection with the merger, the Company recognised an intangible asset, in respect of the five vessels yet to be purchased as at the date of the merger, arising from the comparison of the acquisition prices in the asset purchase agreement between the Company as buyer and CMA CGM as seller and the estimated fair values at the merger date of the vessels yet to be purchased. This intangible asset was transferred to the cost of the appropriate vessel on delivery and as all such vessels have now been delivered, no intangible asset remains in respect of these vessels. Vessels acquired after the merger are stated at acquisition cost, consisting of the contract price and expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition, less accumulated depreciation. Subsequent expenditures for major improvements and upgrading are capitalized, provided they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessel. Borrowing costs incurred during the construction of vessels or as part of the prefinancing of the acquisition of vessels are capitalized. There was no capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. Other borrowing costs are expensed as incurred. Vessels are depreciated to their estimated residual value using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they reflect current technology, service potential and vessel structure. The useful lives are estimated to be 30 years from original delivery by the shipyard. Prepayments and costs directly related to the future acquisition of specific vessels are presented in the Consolidated
Drydocking costs	(f) Drydocking costs An element of the purchase price of a vessel is allocated to a drydock component which is amortized on a straight line basis to the next anticipated drydocking date. Vessels are drydocked approximately every five years for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. Costs directly associated with a drydocking, including the required regulatory inspection of the vessel, its hull and its machinery and for the defouling and repainting of the hull are capitalized as they are incurred and depreciated on a straight line basis over the period between drydocks. Capitalized drydocking costs are classified within investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Intangible liabilities - charter agreements	(g) Intangible liabilities – charter agreements In connection with the merger (see note 1), the Company recognised an intangible liability using the market approach whereby the Company's actual charter rates were compared to market rates at the merger date. These intangible liabilities, recognizing the below market rates as at the date of merger, are amortized, giving rise to an increase of time charter revenue, over the remaining term of the relevant charters.
Long-lived assets	(h) Long-lived assets Fixed assets such as vessels are reviewed individually for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment charge is recognized when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the asset over its estimated remaining useful life is less than its carrying amount and is recorded equal to the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is the net present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted by an appropriate discount rate. 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) The assumptions used involve a considerable degree of estimation. Actual conditions may differ significantly from the assumptions and thus actual cash flows may be significantly different to those estimated with a material effect on the recoverability of each vessel’s carrying amount. The most significant assumptions made for the determination of expected cash flows are (i) charter rates on expiry of existing charters, which are based on forecast charter rates, where relevant, for the four years from the date of the impairment test and a reversion to the historical mean for each vessel thereafter (ii) off-hire days, which are based on actual off-hire statistics for the Company’s fleet (iii) operating costs, based on current levels escalated over time based on long term trends (iv) dry docking frequency, duration and cost and (v) estimated useful life which is assessed as a total of 30 years from original delivery by the shipyard. In the case of an indication of impairment, the results of a recoverability test would also be sensitive to the discount rate applied.
Deferred financing costs	( i ) Deferred financing costs Costs incurred in connection with obtaining long term debt and in obtaining amendments to existing facilities are recorded as deferred financing costs and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the estimated duration of the related debt. Such costs include fees paid to the lenders or on the lenders’ behalf and associated legal and other professional fees. Debt issuance costs, other than any up-front arrangement fee for revolving credit facilities, related to a recognized debt liability are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt. Arrangement fees for revolving credit facilities are shown within Other Long Term Assets.
Preferred shares	(j) Preferred shares Series A Preferred Shares were included within Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, up to their redemption in August 2014, and the dividends were included within interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income as their nature was similar to that of a liability rather than equity. Holders of these mandatorily redeemable preferred shares were entitled to receive a dividend equal to 3-month USD LIBOR plus 2% on the original issue price and ranked senior to the Class A and Class B common shares with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. Series B Preferred Shares have been included within Equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, from their issue in August 2014, and the dividends are presented as a reduction of Retained Earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity as their nature is similar to that of an equity instrument rather than a liability. Holders of these redeemable perpetual preferred shares, which may only be redeemed at the discretion of the Company, are entitled to receive a dividend equal to 8.75% on the original issue price and rank senior to the Class A and Class B common shares with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
Classification of long term debt	(k) Classification of long term debt Long term debt is classified within current liabilities unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(l) Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss), which is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss). Under ASU 2011-05, an entity reporting comprehensive income in a single continuous financial statement shall present its components in two sections, net income and other comprehensive income. As the Company does not, to date, have other comprehensive income, the accompanying consolidated financial statements only include Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue recognition and related operating expense	(m) Revenue recognition and related operating expense The Company charters out its vessels on time charters which involves placing a vessel at a charterer’s disposal for a period of time during which the charterer uses the vessel in return for the payment of a specified daily hire rate. Such charters are accounted for as operating leases and therefore revenue is recognized on a straight line basis as the average revenues over the rental periods of such charter agreements, as service is performed. Cash received in excess of earned revenue is recorded as deferred revenue. If a time charter contains one or more consecutive option periods, then subject to the options being exercisable solely by the Company, the time charter revenue will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the total remaining life of the time charter, including any options which are more likely than not to be exercised. Any difference between the charter rate invoiced and the time charter revenue recognized is classified as, or released from, deferred revenue within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under time charter arrangements the Company, as owner, is responsible for all the operating expenses of the vessels, such as crew costs, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and such costs are expensed as incurred.
Foreign currency transactions	(n) Foreign currency transactions The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar as substantially all revenues and a majority of expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet dates. Expenses paid in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the transaction date. Exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of net income (loss).
Repairs and maintenance	(o) Repairs and maintenance All expenditures relating to routine maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred.
Insurance	(p) Insurance The Company maintains hull and machinery insurance, war risks insurance, protection and indemnity insurance coverage, increased value insurance, and freight, demurrage and defence insurance coverage in amounts considered prudent to cover normal risks in the ordinary course of its operations. Premiums paid in advance to insurance providers are recognized as prepaid expenses and are expensed over the period covered by the insurance contract.
Share based compensation	(q) Share based compensation The Company may award restricted stock units to its management and Directors as part of their compensation. The fair value of restricted stock unit grants is determined by reference to the quoted stock price on the date of grant, adjusted for estimated dividends forgone until the restricted stock units vest. Compensation expense is recognized based on a graded expense model over the expected vesting period.
Income taxes	(r) Income taxes The Company and its Marshall Island subsidiaries are exempt from taxation in the Marshall Islands. The Company’s vessels are flagged in Bahamas, Cyprus, Hong Kong and Panama and are liable for tax based on the tonnage of the vessel. The cost, which is included within operating expenses, amounted to $72, $93 and $124 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Cyprus and Hong Kong subsidiaries are liable for income tax on any interest income earned from non-shipping activity. 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) The Company has one subsidiary in the United Kingdom, where the principal rate of corporate income tax is 19% (2016: 20%, 2015: 20%). This subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow group companies. The Company accounts for deferred income taxes using the liability method which requires the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities, based upon temporary timing differences that arise between the financial statement and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. The net deferred tax asset is adjusted by a valuation allowance where appropriate, if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2017 a deferred tax liability of $17 (2016: $20) was recognized relating to stock based compensation costs charged to the Consolidated Statements of Income in respect of unvested shares and timing differences between the carrying amounts of assets for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based solely on the technical merits of the position.
Inventories	(s) Inventories Inventories consist of bunkers and lubricants on board certain of the vessels. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value as determined using the first-in, first-out method.
Dividends	(t) Dividends Dividends are recorded in the period in which they are declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. Dividends to be paid are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the line item “Dividends payable”.
Earnings per share	(u) Earnings per share Basic earnings per common share are based on income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by applying the treasury stock method. All unvested restricted stock units that have a dilutive effect are included in the calculation. The basic and diluted earnings per share for the period are presented for each category of participating common shares under the two-class method.
Recently issued accounting standards	(v) Recently issued accounting standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which supercedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The effective date is for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The ASU requires the Company to (i) identify the contracts(s) with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company expects that its time charter arrangements contain a service component, for example the provision of crew, that may fall within the scope of this standard. However, the Company does not expect the application of this standard to have a material impact on the financial statements, as it understands the proposed amendments to ASC 842 (see below) allowing entities not to separate the non-lease component can also be applied under the lease accounting standard applicable during 2018 (ASC 840). In February 2016, FASB issued an accounting standards update (ASC 2016-02) in respect of leases (Topic 842). The update makes significant changes to the accounting requirements for lessees, who will be required to recognize right-of-use assets with a corresponding lease liability for all but short-term leases. The standard is to be adopted using a modified retrospective transition. The accounting requirements for lessors remain largely unchanged. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 although early application is permitted. The standard requires the Company to identify lease and non-lease components of a lease agreement. Lease components relate to the right to use the leased asset and non-lease components (or service components) relate to payments for goods or services that are transferred separately from the right to use the underlying asset. Total lease consideration is allocated to lease and non-lease components. On November 29, 2017, the FASB proposed amendments to ASC 842 to add two practical expedients which would allow entities to elect for a simplified transition approach, and provide lessors with an option to simplify how lease and other related revenues are presented and disclosed. The Company will adopt ASC 842 with effect from January 1, 2019, and does not anticipate, beyond additional disclosures, any material impact on the financial statements. 3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, would have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Nature of Operations and Basi24

Nature of Operations and Basis of Preparation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Vessels Chartered	The following table provides information about the 18 vessels owned as at December 31, 2017: Vessel Name Capacity in TEUs (1) Year Built Purchase Date by GSL Charterer Charter Remaining Duration (years) (2) Daily Charter Rate CMA CGM Matisse 2,262 1999 December 2007 CMA CGM 2.0 $15.300 CMA CGM Utrillo 2,262 1999 December 2007 CMA CGM 1.9 $15.300 Delmas Keta 2,207 2003 December 2007 CMA CGM 0.7 $7.800 Julie Delmas 2,207 2002 December 2007 CMA CGM 0.7 $7.800 Kumasi (3) 2,207 2002 December 2007 CMA CGM 3.0 $9.800 Marie Delmas (3) 2,207 2002 December 2007 CMA CGM 3.0 $9.800 CMA CGM La Tour 2,272 2001 December 2007 CMA CGM 2.0 $15.300 CMA CGM Manet 2,272 2001 December 2007 CMA CGM 1.9 $15.300 CMA CGM Alcazar 5,089 2007 January 2008 CMA CGM 3.0 $33.750 CMA CGM Château d’lf 5,089 2007 January 2008 CMA CGM 3.0 $33.750 CMA CGM Thalassa 11,040 2008 December 2008 CMA CGM 8.0 $47.200 CMA CGM Jamaica 4,298 2006 December 2008 CMA CGM 5.0 $25.350 CMA CGM Sambhar 4,045 2006 December 2008 CMA CGM 5.0 $25.350 CMA CGM America 4,045 2006 December 2008 CMA CGM 5.0 $25.350 CMA CGM Berlioz 6,621 2001 August 2009 CMA CGM 3.7 $34.000 GSL Tianjin (4) 8,063 2005 October 2014 CMA CGM 0.9 $13.000 OOCL Qingdao 8,063 2004 March 2015 OOCL 1.1 $34.500 OOCL Ningbo 8,063 2004 September 2015 OOCL 0.8 $34.500 (1) Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (2) As at December 31, 2017 to mid-point of re-delivery period, updated for subsequent charter extensions. Plus or minus 90 days, other than (i) Julie Delmas and Delmas Keta which are plus or minus 45 days, (ii) Kumasi and Marie Delmas see footnote 3 below, (3) The charters for Kumasi and Marie Delmas were amended in July 2016 to, inter alia, provide us with three consecutive options to extend the charters at $9,800 per day. The first of these options was exercised in July 2017, extending the charters to end 2018. The two remaining options allow us to extend the charters to December 31, 2020 plus or minus 90 days at charterer’s option. The earliest possible re-delivery date, not taking into account our remaining options, is shown in the table. (4) A new time charter for GSL Tianjin, formerly named OOCL Tianjin, with CMA CGM commenced October 25, 2017, immediately upon re-delivery from its previous charter to OOCL, at a fixed rate of $13,000 per day for a period of three to eight months at the charterer’s option. The charter was extended with effect from January 26, 2018 at a fixed rate of $11,900 per day for a period of eight to 12 months, at charterer’s option. The new period is reflected in the table. (5) In February 2018, the charter for OOCL Qingdao was extended with effect from March 11, 2018 at a fixed rate of $14,000 per day. Redelivery is now between January 1, 2019 and March 15, 2019, at the charterer’s option

Vessels in Operation, less Ac25

Vessels in Operation, less Accumulated Depreciation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Vessels in Operation, Less Accumulated Depreciation	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost $ 1,003,440 $ 1,095,275 Accumulated Depreciation (318,037 ) (283,743 ) Vessel impairment during period (87,624 ) (92,422 ) Net book value $ 597,779 $ 719,110
Schedule of Variations in Net Book Value of Vessels, Including Drydocking	Variations in net book value of vessels, including drydocking, are presented below: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Opening balance $ 719,110 $ 846,939 Additions in the period 4,260 7,370 Depreciation expense (37,967 ) (42,777 ) Vessel impairment (87,624 ) (92,422 ) Closing balance $ 597,779 $ 719,110

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Software development: Opening balance $ 16 $ 39 Depreciation (9 ) (23 ) Closing balance $ 7 $ 16

Intangible Liability - Charte27

Intangible Liability - Charter Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Liability	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Opening balance $ 11,589 $ 13,693 Amortization in period (1,807 ) (2,104 ) Closing balance $ 9,782 $ 11,589

Long Term Debt (Tables)

Long Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long Term Debt	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 2019 Notes $ — $ 420,000 2022 Notes 360,000 — Less repurchase of Notes (note 7(a)) — (54,212 ) Less original issue discount (3,600 ) (6,300 ) Amortization of original issue discount 133 3,910 2022 Notes / 2019 Notes (note 7(d) and (a)) 356,533 363,398 Revolving Credit Facility (note 7(b)) — 39,200 Secured Term Loan (note 7(c)) — 24,375 Super Senior Term Loan (note 7(e)) 54,800 — Less: Deferred financing costs (note 7(e)) (12,818 ) (7,100 ) Balance 398,515 419,873 Less: Current portion of 2019 Notes (note 7(a)) — (19,501 ) Less: Current portion of Secured Term Loan (note 7(c)) — (11,525 ) Less: Current portion of Super Senior Term Loan (note 7(e)) (40,000 ) — Non-current portion of Long-Term Debt $ 358,515 $ 388,847
Schedule of Repayment of Long Term Debt, Notes and Super Senior Term Loan	Based on scheduled repayments from January 1, 2018 the long term debt, comprising the 2022 Notes and the Super Senior Term Loan, will be reduced in each of the relevant periods as follows: Year ending December 31, 2018 $ 40,000 2019 40,000 2020 40,000 2021 35,000 2022 259,800 414,800 Less: original issue discount (3,467 ) Less: deferred financing costs (12,818 ) $ 398,515
Schedule of Deferred Financing Cost	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Opening balance $ 7,100 $ 10,611 Expenditure in the period 13,177 — Amortization included within interest expense (7,459 ) (3,511 ) Closing balance $ 12,818 $ 7,100

Other Operating Income (Tables)

Other Operating Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Operating Income	Other operating income is summarized as follows: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Sundry shipping income $ 51 $ 216 $ 382 Gain on sale of vessels — — 93 $ 51 $ 216 $ 475

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum Contracted Future Annual Charter Hire Receivable Before Allowance for Any Off-Hire Periods	The maximum contracted annual future charter hire receivable (not allowing for any offhire and assuming expiry at the mid-point between the earliest and latest possible end dates) for the 18 vessels as at December 31, 2017, and assuming the options included in the charters for Kumasi and Marie Delmas are exercised, is as follows: Year ending December 31, 2018 132,423 2019 110,439 2020 89,432 2021 53,917 2022 43,837 Thereafter 51,653 $ 481,701

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Issued Share Based Awards	Under both the 2008 Plan and 2015 Plan, the Company issued the following share based awards since January 1, 2014: Restricted Stock Units Number of Units Management Directors Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date Actual Fair Value on Vesting Date Unvested as at January 1, 2015 300,000 — $ 3.25 n/a Vested in 2015 — — — n/a Unvested as at December 31, 2015 300,000 — $ 3.25 n/a Granted in March 2016 200,000 — 1.18 n/a Unvested as at December 31, 2016 500,000 — $ 2.42 n/a Granted in 2017 — — — n/a Unvested as at December 31, 2017 500,000 — $ 2.42 n/a

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	For the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the diluted weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding is the same as the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding, including the RSU’s without service conditions. The diluted weighted average number of shares excludes the outstanding share-based incentive awards as these would have had an antidilutive effect. (In thousands, except share data) Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015 Class A common shares Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (B) 47,575,889 47,554,351 47,541,484 Weighted average number of RSU’s without service conditions (note 12) (B) 400,000 300,000 243,904 Dilutive effect of share-based incentive awards — — — Common shares and common share equivalents (F) 47,975,889 47,854,351 47,785,388 Class B common shares Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (D) 7,405,956 7,405,956 7,405,956 Dilutive effect of share-based incentive awards — — — Common shares (H) 7,405,956 7,405,956 7,405,956 Basic Earnings per Share Net loss available to common shareholders $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Available to: - Class A shareholders for period $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) - Class A shareholders for arrears — — — - Class B shareholders for period — — — - allocate pro-rata between Class A and B — — — Net loss available for Class A (A) $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Net income (loss) available for Class B (C) — — — Basic Earnings per share: Class A (A/B) $ (1.61 ) $ (1.42 ) $ (0.67 ) Class B (C/D) — — — Diluted Earnings per Share Net loss available to common shareholders $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Available to: - Class A shareholders for period $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) - Class A shareholders for arrears — — — - Class B shareholders for period — — — - allocate pro rata between Class A and B — — — Net loss available for Class A (E) $ (77,328 ) $ (68,157 ) $ (31,937 ) Net income (loss) available for Class B (G) — — — Diluted Earnings per share: Class A (E/F) $ (1.61 ) $ (1.42 ) $ (0.67 ) Class B (G/H) — — —

Nature of Operations and Basi33

Nature of Operations and Basis of Preparation - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Vessel
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items]
Number of vessels	18
Minimum [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 months 12 days
Maximum [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 years
OOCL [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items]
Number of vessels	2
CMA CGM [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items]
Number of vessels	16
CMA CGM [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 months 12 days
CMA CGM [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 years

Nature of Operations and Basi34

Nature of Operations and Basis of Preparation - Schedule of Vessels Chartered (Detail)	Oct. 25, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Unit
OOCL [Member] | OOCL Qingdao [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		8,063
Year Built		2,004
Purchase Date by GSL		2015-03
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		1 year 1 month 6 days
Daily Charter Rate | $		34.500
OOCL [Member] | OOCL Ningbo [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		8,063
Year Built		2,004
Purchase Date by GSL		2015-09
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		9 months 18 days
Daily Charter Rate | $		34.500
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Matisse [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,262
Year Built		1,999
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		2 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		15.300
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Utrillo [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,262
Year Built		1,999
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		1 year 10 months 24 days
Daily Charter Rate | $		15.300
CMA CGM [Member] | Delmas Keta [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,207
Year Built		2,003
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		8 months 12 days
Daily Charter Rate | $		7.800
CMA CGM [Member] | Julie Delmas [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,207
Year Built		2,002
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		8 months 12 days
Daily Charter Rate | $		7.800
CMA CGM [Member] | Kumasi [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,207
Year Built		2,002
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		3 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		9.800
CMA CGM [Member] | Marie Delmas [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,207
Year Built		2,002
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		3 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		9.800
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM La Tour [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,272
Year Built		2,001
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		2 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		15.300
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Manet [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		2,272
Year Built		2,001
Purchase Date by GSL		2007-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		1 year 10 months 24 days
Daily Charter Rate | $		15.300
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Alcazar [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		5,089
Year Built		2,007
Purchase Date by GSL		2008-01
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		3 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		33.750
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Chateau d'lf [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		5,089
Year Built		2,007
Purchase Date by GSL		2008-01
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		3 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		33.750
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Thalassa [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		11,040
Year Built		2,008
Purchase Date by GSL		2008-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		8 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		47.200
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Jamaica [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		4,298
Year Built		2,006
Purchase Date by GSL		2008-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		5 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		25.350
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Sambhar [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		4,045
Year Built		2,006
Purchase Date by GSL		2008-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		5 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		25.350
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM America [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		4,045
Year Built		2,006
Purchase Date by GSL		2008-12
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		5 years
Daily Charter Rate | $		25.350
CMA CGM [Member] | CMA CGM Berlioz [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		6,621
Year Built		2,001
Purchase Date by GSL		2009-08
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		3 years 8 months 12 days
Daily Charter Rate | $		34
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Capacity in TEUs | Unit		8,063
Year Built		2,005
Purchase Date by GSL		2014-10
Charter Remaining Duration (years)		10 months 24 days
Daily Charter Rate | $	13,000	13

Nature of Operations and Basi35

Nature of Operations and Basis of Preparation - Schedule of Vessels Chartered (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2018	Oct. 25, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
General end of charter redelivery period						Plus or minus 90 days, at charterer's option.
OOCL Qingdao [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Redelivery option period						OOCL Qingdao which is now between January 1, 2019 and March 15, 2019, at charterer’s option.
OOCL Ningbo [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Redelivery option period						OOCL Ningbo which is between September 17, 2018 and December 17, 2018, at charterer’s option.
OOCL [Member] | OOCL Qingdao [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate						34.500
OOCL [Member] | OOCL Qingdao [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate			14,000
Charter effective date			Mar. 11, 2018
OOCL [Member] | OOCL Ningbo [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate						34.500
CMA CGM [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate	9,000
Vessel charter period	12 months
CMA CGM [Member] | Kumasi and Marie Delmas [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Daily charter rate for option periods					9,800
Charter Option Periods						The first of these options was exercised in July 2017, extending the charters to end 2018. The two remaining options allow us to extend the charters to December 31, 2020 plus or minus 90 days at charterer’s option.
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate		13,000				13
Redelivery option period						GSL Tianjin which is now between September 26, 2018 and January 26, 2019, at charterer’s option.
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate				11,900
Charter effective date				Jan. 26, 2018
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Vessel charter period		3 months
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Vessel charter period				8 months
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Vessel charter period		8 months
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Vessel charter period				12 months
CMA CGM [Member] | Julie Delmas and Delmas Keta [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Redelivery option period						Julie Delmas and Delmas Keta which are plus or minus 45 days, at charterer’s option.

Significant Accounting Polici36

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Subsidiary	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Subsidiary	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Subsidiary	Aug. 14, 2008Vessel
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 0	$ 0
Number of vessels yet to be purchased | Vessel				5
Capitalized interest	$ 0	0	$ 0
Vessel estimated useful life	30 years
Period between scheduled regulatory drydockings	5 years
Forecast Rate Period following charter expiry	4 years
Future charter rate assumptions	charter rates on expiry of existing charters, which are based on forecast charter rates, where relevant, for the four years from the date of the impairment test and a reversion to the historical mean for each vessel thereafter
Tonnage tax included within operating expenses	$ 72,000	93,000	$ 124,000
Deferred tax liability recognized	$ 17,000	$ 20,000
United Kingdom [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries owned by the Company | Subsidiary	1	1	1
Principal rate of corporate income tax	19.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Preferred shares dividend rate percentage	8.75%

Vessels in Operation, less Ac37

Vessels in Operation, less Accumulated Depreciation - Schedule of Vessels in Operation, Less Accumulated Depreciation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Cost	$ 1,003,440	$ 1,095,275		$ 1,003,440	$ 1,095,275
Accumulated Depreciation	(318,037)	(283,743)		(318,037)	(283,743)
Vessel impairment during period	(87,624)	(63,065)	$ (29,357)	(87,624)	(92,422)	$ (44,700)
Net book value	$ 597,779	$ 719,110		$ 597,779	$ 719,110	$ 846,939

Vessels in Operation, less Ac38

Vessels in Operation, less Accumulated Depreciation - Additional Information (Detail)	Oct. 25, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Vessel	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Vessel	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)Vessel	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Vessel	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Number of vessels on which impairment charge is recognized | Vessel			5	4	2
Vessel impairment charge			$ 87,624,000	$ 63,065,000	$ 29,357,000	$ 87,624,000	$ 92,422,000	$ 44,700,000
Gain on sale of vessels								$ 93,000
Number of vessels pledged as collateral under 2022 notes and secured term loan | Vessel						18
Ville d' Aquarius [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Vessel impairment charge		$ 22,203,000
Ville d' Orion [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Vessel impairment charge		$ 22,497,000
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate	13,000					13
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Vessel charter period	3 months
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Vessel charter period	8 months

Vessels in Operation, less Ac39

Vessels in Operation, less Accumulated Depreciation - Schedule of Variations in Net Book Value of Vessels, Including Drydocking (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Opening balance				$ 719,110	$ 846,939
Additions in the period				4,260	7,370
Depreciation expense				(37,967)	(42,777)
Vessel impairment	$ (87,624)	$ (63,065)	$ (29,357)	(87,624)	(92,422)	$ (44,700)
Closing balance	$ 597,779	$ 719,110		$ 597,779	$ 719,110	$ 846,939

Intangible Assets - Schedule of

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Software development
Opening balance	$ 16	$ 39
Depreciation	(9)	(23)
Closing balance	$ 7	$ 16

Intangible Liability - Charte41

Intangible Liability - Charter Agreements - Schedule of Intangible Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Liability Charter Agreements [Abstract]
Opening balance	$ 11,589	$ 13,693
Amortization in period	(1,807)	(2,104)
Closing balance	$ 9,782	$ 11,589

Intangible Liability - Charte42

Intangible Liability - Charter Agreements - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Vessel
Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Line Items]
Discount rate of projected lease cash flow	8.00%
At Merger [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of vessels	12
Number of vessels	5

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Lo

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Term Loan (note 7(c) and (e))			$ 24,375
Less: Deferred financing costs (note 7(e))	$ (12,818)		(7,100)
Balance	398,515		419,873
Less: Current portion of Secured Term Loan (note 7 (c) and (e))			(11,525)
Non-current portion of Long-Term Debt	358,515		388,847
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility (note 7(b))			39,200
10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019 Notes			420,000				$ 420,000
Less repurchase of Notes (note 7(a))			(54,212)	$ (18,000)	$ (5,000)	$ (4,200)
Less: Current portion of 2019 Notes (note 7(a))			(19,501)
2022 Notes / 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less original issue discount	(3,600)		(6,300)
Amortization of original issue discount	133		3,910
2022 Notes / 2019 Notes (note 7(d) and (a))	356,533		$ 363,398
9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019 Notes	360,000	$ 360,000
Super Senior Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Term Loan (note 7(c) and (e))	54,800
Less: Current portion of Secured Term Loan (note 7 (c) and (e))	$ (40,000)

Long Term Debt - Schedule of 44

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year	2,019
9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year	2,022

Long Term Debt - 10.0% First Pr

Long Term Debt - 10.0% First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 - Additional Information (Detail)

Nov. 22, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 14, 2016USD ($)

Feb. 02, 2016USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2017

Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)

May 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015Vessel

Nov. 21, 2017Vessel

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Vessel

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Apr. 19, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 22, 2017USD ($)

Apr. 21, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Number of vessels | Vessel

18

Gain on purchase of secured notes

$ 2,865,000

10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Issuance of secured notes

420,000,000

$ 420,000,000

Issuance date of debt instrument

Mar. 31, 2014

Debt instrument, interest rate

10.00%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 1, 2019

Termination date of debt

Nov. 22, 2017

Repayments of secured debt

$ 365,788,000

$ 365,788,000

50,997,000

$ 350,000

Number of vessels secured to notes | Vessel

16

Number of vessels | Vessel

18

Interest on notes

Interest on the 2019 Notes was payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year

Price in percent at which excess cash flow offer is made

102.00%

Period within which Excess Cash Flow Offer is to be made

120 days

Amount of Notes tendered and accepted

$ 19,501,000

$ 350,000

Number of vessels sold | Vessel

2

Excess cash flow and collateral sale offers, amount

$ 28,417,000

Price in percent at which excess cash flow and collateral sale offers are made

102.00%

Principal amount accepted on pro rata basis on completion of cash flow and collateral tender offer

$ 26,662,000

Purchase of principal amount of secured notes

$ 18,000,000

$ 5,000,000

$ 4,200,000

$ 54,212,000

10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Gain on purchase of secured notes

$ 1,938,000

$ 475,000

$ 452,000

10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Excess cash flow amount offered

$ 20,000,000

$ 20,000,000

10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Excess cash flow amount offered

$ 1,000,000

Long Term Debt - Revolving Cred

Long Term Debt - Revolving Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 19, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured revolving credit facility			$ 40,000,000
Maturity date of credit facility		Oct. 1, 2018
Issuance date of debt instrument		Mar. 19, 2014
Repayment of credit facility	$ 39,200,000
Credit facility margin		3.25%
Debt repayment date		Oct. 31, 2017

Long Term Debt - Secured Term L

Long Term Debt - Secured Term Loan - Additional Information (Detail) - Secured Term Loan [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 29, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of debt instrument	Jul. 29, 2015
Secured term loan facility		$ 35,000,000
Credit facility maturity period	5 years
Credit facility description	five years after drawdown, with early repayment, inter alia, if the 2019 Notes were not refinanced by November 30, 2018, or if the secured vessel ceased to be employed on a charter for a period in excess of 90 days.
Credit facility margin	2.75%
Termination date of debt	Oct. 26, 2017

Long Term Debt - 9.875% First P

Long Term Debt - 9.875% First Priority Secured Notes due 2022 - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Vessel
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of vessels | Vessel		18
9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of secured notes	$ 360,000	$ 360,000
Issuance date of debt instrument		Oct. 31, 2017
Debt instrument, interest rate	9.875%
Debt instrument, maturity date		Nov. 15, 2022
Proceeds from debt issuance, net of costs	$ 356,400	$ 356,400
Number of vessels secured to notes | Vessel		18
Number of vessels | Vessel		18
Interest on notes		Interest on the 2022 Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2018.
Minimum cash balance requirement		$ 20,000
Price in percentage for annual offer to purchase notes through maturity		102.00%
9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member] | First and Second Anniversary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual amount offered to repurchase notes		$ 20,000
9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member] | Third Anniversary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual amount of notes to be repurchased		40,000
9.875 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2022 [Member] | Fourth Anniversary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual amount of notes to be repurchased		35,000
2022 Notes and Super Senior Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Secured Notes and Super Senior Term Loan due for repayment in year 1		40,000
Total Secured Notes and Super Senior Term Loan due for repayment in year 2		40,000
Total Secured Notes and Super Senior Term Loan due for repayment in year 3		40,000
Total Secured Notes and Super Senior Term Loan due for repayment in year 4		$ 35,000

Long Term Debt - Super Senior T

Long Term Debt - Super Senior Term Loan - Additional Information (Detail) - Super Senior Term Loan [Member] - USD ($)	Oct. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of debt instrument		Oct. 26, 2017
Secured term loan facility	$ 54,800,000
Credit facility margin	3.25%
Interest rate of term loan		The interest rate is USD LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25% and is payable at least quarterly.
Debt instrument, maturity date		Oct. 31, 2020
Minimum cash balance requirement		$ 20,000,000
Minimum [Member] | First Year [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan redemption amount		20,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Second Year [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan redemption amount		$ 20,000,000

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Re

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Repayment of Long Term Debt, Notes and Super Senior Term Loan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: deferred financing costs	$ (12,818)	$ (7,100)
Balance	398,515	$ 419,873
2022 Notes and Super Senior Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	40,000
2,019	40,000
2,020	40,000
2,021	35,000
2,022	259,800
Gross Total	414,800
Less: original issue discount	(3,467)
Less: deferred financing costs	(12,818)
Balance	$ 398,515

Long Term Debt - Schedule of De

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Deferred Financing Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Finance Costs Net [Abstract]
Opening balance	$ 7,100	$ 10,611
Expenditure in the period	13,177
Amortization included within interest expense	(7,459)	(3,511)
Closing balance	$ 12,818	$ 7,100

Long Term Debt - Deferred Finan

Long Term Debt - Deferred Financing Costs - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized balance of deferred financing costs written off	$ 4,191
Debt facilities termination date		2017-10
2022 Notes and Super Senior Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fees and related costs deferred		$ 13,117

Other Operating Income - Schedu

Other Operating Income - Schedule of Other Operating Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Component Of Other Operating Income [Line Items]
Total other operating income	$ 51	$ 216	$ 475
Gain on sale of vessels			93
Sundry Shipping Income [Member]
Component Of Other Operating Income [Line Items]
Total other operating income	$ 51	$ 216	$ 382

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Vessel$ / yr	Dec. 31, 2016$ / yr	Dec. 31, 2015$ / yr
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Maximum contracted charter hire receivable | $	$ 481,701
Minimum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 months 12 days
Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 years
CMA CGM [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Voting interest	44.40%
Maximum contracted charter hire receivable | $	$ 468,764
Number of vessels | Vessel	16
Annual ship management fee per vessel | $ / yr	123	123	123
Number of vessels under technical management | Vessel	13
CMA CGM [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 months 12 days
CMA CGM [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Remaining charter terms	8 years

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Vessel
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of vessels	18

Commitments and Contingencies56

Commitments and Contingencies - Maximum Contracted Future Annual Charter Hire Receivable Before Allowance for Any Off-Hire Periods (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 132,423
2,019	110,439
2,020	89,432
2,021	53,917
2,022	43,837
Thereafter	51,653
Maximum Future Contracted charter Hire	$ 481,701

Share Capital - Additional Info

Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Dec. 29, 2017shares

Dec. 30, 2016shares

Sep. 30, 2016shares

Jun. 30, 2016shares

Mar. 31, 2016shares

Nov. 24, 2015$ / shares

Aug. 24, 2015$ / shares

Aug. 20, 2014USD ($)shares

Dec. 31, 2017ClassOfCommonStock$ / shares

Sep. 30, 2017$ / shares

Jun. 30, 2017$ / shares

Mar. 31, 2017$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2008$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017ClassOfCommonStock$ / sharesshares

Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares

Aug. 28, 2015shares

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Classes of common shares | ClassOfCommonStock

2

2

Possible future conversion basis for Class B common shares to Class A common shares

One-for-one

2015 Plan [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Maximum issuance shares | shares

1,500,000

2015 Plan [Member] | Director [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares issued | shares

34,125

8,528

8,534

8,534

8,529

34,125

34,125

Shares issued as percentage of directors base fee

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

Shares issued notional value per share

$ 4

$ 4

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Dividend required for Class B conversion

$ 0.23

$ 0.23

$ 0.23

$ 0.23

Common stock dividends paid

$ 0.10

$ 0.10

$ 0.23

Series B Preferred Shares [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Depositary shares issued | shares

1,400,000

Preferred shares dividend rate percentage

8.75%

Preferred stock issuance term description

On August 20, 2014, the Company issued 1,400,000 depositary shares, each of which represents 1/100th of one share of the Company’s 8.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares (the “Series B Preferred Shares”).

Redemption price per share

$ 2,500

$ 2,500

Redemption price per depositary share

$ 25

Net proceeds from issuance | $

$ 33,497

Series B Preferred Shares [Member] | Third Quarter, 2014 [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Dividend declaration date

Sep. 22, 2014

Series B Preferred Shares [Member] | Fourth Quarter, 2017 [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Dividend declaration date

Dec. 8, 2017

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)

Jan. 08, 2018MemberTranche$ / sharesshares

Dec. 29, 2017shares

Dec. 30, 2016shares

Sep. 30, 2016shares

Jun. 30, 2016shares

Mar. 31, 2016shares

Mar. 03, 2016MemberTranche$ / sharesshares

Nov. 24, 2015$ / shares

Aug. 24, 2015$ / shares

Mar. 07, 2013$ / shares

Mar. 13, 2012$ / shares

Sep. 02, 2011Member

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2008$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Recognized share based compensation expenses | $

$ 272,000

$ 283,000

$ 75,000

Unrecognized compensation cost | $

$ 0

$ 0

$ 0

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Management [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of stock granted

0

200,000

2008 Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of members granted with restricted stock units | Member

4

Restricted stock share based compensation vesting period

2 years

Common stock dividends paid | $ / shares

$ 0

$ 0

2015 Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Maximum number of shares approved under Equity Incentive Plan

1,500,000

Number of tranches | Tranche

2

Equity Incentive Plan description

Under the 2015 Plan, restricted stock units granted to four members of management on March 3, 2016 were divided into two tranches. The first tranche (100,000 restricted stock units)) will vest when the individual leaves employment, provided that this is after December 31, 2016 and is not for cause. The second tranche (100,000 restricted stock units) also vests after December 31, 2016 on the same terms, but, in addition, only if and when the stock price has been at or above $5.00 for 20 consecutive trading days and provided that this has occurred before December 31, 2019. Under the 2015 Plan, restricted stock units were granted on January 8, 2018 to five members of management as part of their 2017 remuneration, in two tranches. The first tranche (100,000 restricted stock units)) will vest when the individual leaves employment, provided that this is after March 31, 2018 and is not for cause. The second tranche (100,000 restricted stock units) also vests after March 31, 2018 on the same terms, but, in addition, only if and when the stock price has been at or above $3.00 for 20 consecutive trading days and provided that this has occurred before December 31, 2020.

2015 Plan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of tranches | Tranche

2

2015 Plan [Member] | Director [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Common stock shares awarded

34,125

8,528

8,534

8,534

8,529

34,125

34,125

Shares issued as percentage of directors base fee

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

20.00%

Shares issued notional value per share | $ / shares

$ 4

$ 4

2015 Plan [Member] | Second Tranche [Member] | Management [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of members granted with restricted stock units | Member

4

Vesting date

Dec. 31, 2016

Number of consecutive trading days

20 days

2015 Plan [Member] | Second Tranche [Member] | Management [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of members granted with restricted stock units | Member

5

Vesting date

Mar. 31, 2018

Number of consecutive trading days

20 days

2015 Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Second Tranche [Member] | Management [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Stock price | $ / shares

$ 5

2015 Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Second Tranche [Member] | Management [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Stock price | $ / shares

$ 3

2015 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Second Tranche [Member] | Management [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of stock granted

100,000

2015 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Second Tranche [Member] | Management [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of stock granted

100,000

2015 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | First Tranche [Member] | Management [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of stock granted

100,000

2015 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | First Tranche [Member] | Management [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of stock granted

100,000

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Common stock dividends paid | $ / shares

$ 0.10

$ 0.10

$ 0.23

Class A Common Stock [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Term of Equity Incentive Plan

10 years

Maximum number of shares approved under Equity Incentive Plan

1,500,000

Maximum number of shares which may be granted to any participant in any fiscal year

500,000

Common stock shares awarded

1,498,123

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Issued Share Based Awards (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date, opening balance	$ 2.42	$ 3.25	$ 3.25
Vested, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date			0
Unvested, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date, closing balance	2.42	2.42	$ 3.25
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date	$ 0	$ 1.18
Management [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested, Number of Units, opening balance	500,000	300,000	300,000
Vested, Number of Units			0
Unvested, Number of Units, closing balance	500,000	500,000	300,000
Granted, Number of Units	0	200,000

Risks Associated with Concent60

Risks Associated with Concentration - Additional Information (Detail) - Bank	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Number of banks in which cash and cash equivalents deposited	3	3

Earnings per Share - Additional

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Management [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock units	500,000	500,000	300,000	300,000

Earnings per Share - Earnings p

Earnings per Share - Earnings per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Basic Earnings per Share
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (77,328)	$ (68,157)	$ (31,937)
Available to- allocate pro-rata between Class A and B	0	0	0
Diluted Earnings per Share
Net loss available to common shareholders	(77,328)	(68,157)	(31,937)
Available to - allocate pro rata between Class A and B	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	47,575,889	47,554,351	47,541,484
Weighted average number of RSU's without service conditions (note 12)	400,000	300,000	243,904
Common shares and common share equivalents, diluted	47,975,889	47,854,351	47,785,388
Basic Earnings per Share
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (77,328)	$ (68,157)	$ (31,937)
Available to - Class A shareholders for arrears	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Earnings per share	$ (1.61)	$ (1.42)	$ (0.67)
Diluted Earnings per Share
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (77,328)	$ (68,157)	$ (31,937)
Available to - Class A shareholders for arrears	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Earnings per share	$ (1.61)	$ (1.42)	$ (0.67)
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	7,405,956	7,405,956	7,405,956
Common shares and common share equivalents, diluted	7,405,956	7,405,956	7,405,956
Basic Earnings per Share
Earnings per share	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Diluted Earnings per Share
Earnings per share	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 01, 2018USD ($)Unit$ / shares	Oct. 25, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Unit
OOCL Qingdao [Member] | OOCL [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate					34.500
Year Built					2,004
Capacity in TEUs | Unit					8,063
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate		13,000			13
Year Built					2,005
Capacity in TEUs | Unit					8,063
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Vessel charter period		3 months
CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Vessel charter period		8 months
Subsequent Event [Member] | Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends per share declared | $ / shares	$ 54.6875
Subsequent Event [Member] | OOCL Qingdao [Member] | OOCL [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate			14,000
Charter effective date			Mar. 11, 2018
Charter redelivery periods			Redelivery is now between January 1, 2019 and March 15, 2019, at the charterer’s option.
Subsequent Event [Member] | CMA CGM [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate	9,000
Vessel charter period	12 months
Year Built	2,005
Capacity in TEUs | Unit	2,800
Contracted purchase price	$ 11,300,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Daily Charter Rate				11,900
Charter effective date				Jan. 26, 2018
Subsequent Event [Member] | CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Vessel charter period				8 months
Subsequent Event [Member] | CMA CGM [Member] | GSL Tianjin [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Vessel charter period				12 months