It has been a “transformational” year for containership lessor Global Ship Lease (GSL), according to chief executive Ian Webber.

The change was symbolised by its $55m investment last week in an 8,063-teu vessel, marking the start of what Webber believes may be a turning point for the containership industry.

The acquisition is the first in seven years for GSL, one of six container lessors listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).