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  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentNineMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentNineMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentOneMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesLineItems" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentsDisclosureTextBlock" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentsDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentSevenMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentSevenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentSixMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentSixMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentsLineItems" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentsMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentsTable" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentTenMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentTenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentThreeMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentThreeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DerivativeInstrumentTwoMember" id="gsl_DerivativeInstrumentTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DividendsPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_DividendsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" id="gsl_DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DrydockExpenditureInProgress" id="gsl_DrydockExpenditureInProgress" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DrydockingCostPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_DrydockingCostPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems" id="gsl_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EarningsPerShareProFormaTable" id="gsl_EarningsPerShareProFormaTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedExpectedPeriodForRecognition" id="gsl_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedExpectedPeriodForRecognition" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EstimatedRepaymentsOfLongtermDebt" id="gsl_EstimatedRepaymentsOfLongtermDebt" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ExpenditureOnVesselsVesselPrepaymentsAndVesselDeposits" id="gsl_ExpenditureOnVesselsVesselPrepaymentsAndVesselDeposits" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FairValueAndDerivativeInstrumentsTable" id="gsl_FairValueAndDerivativeInstrumentsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="FairValueInterestRateSwap" id="gsl_FairValueInterestRateSwap" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FairValueOfPurchaseOption" id="gsl_FairValueOfPurchaseOption" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FrenchFondsStrategiqueInvestissementMember" id="gsl_FrenchFondsStrategiqueInvestissementMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GeneralTextBlock" id="gsl_GeneralTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GrantedInMarchMember" id="gsl_GrantedInMarchMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GrantedInSeptemberMember" id="gsl_GrantedInSeptemberMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInReceivablesAndOtherAssets" id="gsl_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivablesAndOtherAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InsurancePolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_InsurancePolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleAssetsLineItems" id="gsl_IntangibleAssetsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleAssetsTable" id="gsl_IntangibleAssetsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="IntangibleLiabilitiesCharterAgreementsPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_IntangibleLiabilitiesCharterAgreementsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreements" id="gsl_IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreements" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreementsCurrent" id="gsl_IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreementsCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreementsNoncurrent" id="gsl_IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreementsNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreementsTextBlock" id="gsl_IntangibleLiabilityCharterAgreementsTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InterestPaidInPeriod" id="gsl_InterestPaidInPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InterestRateDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock" id="gsl_InterestRateDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="JulieDelmasMember" id="gsl_JulieDelmasMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="KumasiMember" id="gsl_KumasiMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LeverageRatioMaximum" id="gsl_LeverageRatioMaximum" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_LongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongTermDebtClassificationPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_LongTermDebtClassificationPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongTermDebtCurrentAndNonCurrent" id="gsl_LongTermDebtCurrentAndNonCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" id="gsl_LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" id="gsl_LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" id="gsl_LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" id="gsl_LongtermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongTermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalLineItems" id="gsl_LongTermDebtEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LongTermDebtMaturitiesEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalTable" id="gsl_LongTermDebtMaturitiesEstimatedRepaymentsOfPrincipalTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="LongTermIncentivePlanTerm" id="gsl_LongTermIncentivePlanTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ManagementMemberOneMember" id="gsl_ManagementMemberOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ManagementMemberTwoMember" id="gsl_ManagementMemberTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MarieDelmasMember" id="gsl_MarieDelmasMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MaximumContractedCharterHireReceivable" id="gsl_MaximumContractedCharterHireReceivable" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MaximumLengthOfTimeInterestRateHedged" id="gsl_MaximumLengthOfTimeInterestRateHedged" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MaximumSharesToAnyParticipantPerYear" id="gsl_MaximumSharesToAnyParticipantPerYear" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MergerCashFlowProjectionsDiscountRate" id="gsl_MergerCashFlowProjectionsDiscountRate" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MinimumPreferredSharesRedemptionInstallment" id="gsl_MinimumPreferredSharesRedemptionInstallment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPreparationLineItems" id="gsl_NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPreparationLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPreparationTable" id="gsl_NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPreparationTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="NatureOfOperationsLineItems" id="gsl_NatureOfOperationsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NatureOfOperationsTable" id="gsl_NatureOfOperationsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="NetIncomeAvailableToClassaShareHoldersForArrears" id="gsl_NetIncomeAvailableToClassaShareHoldersForArrears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfBanksHoldingDeposits" id="gsl_NumberOfBanksHoldingDeposits" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfPreferredSharesInstallments" id="gsl_NumberOfPreferredSharesInstallments" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfVessels" id="gsl_NumberOfVessels" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfVesselsChartered" id="gsl_NumberOfVesselsChartered" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfVesselsPledgedAsCollateralUnderCreditFacility" id="gsl_NumberOfVesselsPledgedAsCollateralUnderCreditFacility" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfVesselsTestedForPotentialImpairment" id="gsl_NumberOfVesselsTestedForPotentialImpairment" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherAssetsNoncurrentNet" id="gsl_OtherAssetsNoncurrentNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" id="gsl_OtherFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PaymentOfPreferredSharesDividends" id="gsl_PaymentOfPreferredSharesDividends" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodOneMember" id="gsl_PeriodOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodTwoMember" id="gsl_PeriodTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PreferredSharesPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_PreferredSharesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PreferredSharesRedemptionNumber" id="gsl_PreferredSharesRedemptionNumber" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PrepaidExpensesCurrent" id="gsl_PrepaidExpensesCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ProceedsFromExerciseOfOptionsAndWarrants" id="gsl_ProceedsFromExerciseOfOptionsAndWarrants" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PublicWarrantsMember" id="gsl_PublicWarrantsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PurchaseDate" id="gsl_PurchaseDate" type="xbrli:gYearMonthItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RealizedLossOnInterestRateDerivatives" id="gsl_RealizedLossOnInterestRateDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RedeemablePreferredSharesDividendPaid" id="gsl_RedeemablePreferredSharesDividendPaid" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RedeemablePreferredSharesValueIssued" id="gsl_RedeemablePreferredSharesValueIssued" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RedemptionOfPreferredShares" id="gsl_RedemptionOfPreferredShares" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RepairsAndMaintenancePolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_RepairsAndMaintenancePolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RequiredClassaCommonSharesDividendPerQuarter" id="gsl_RequiredClassaCommonSharesDividendPerQuarter" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalent" id="gsl_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockShareBasedCompensationVestingPeriod" id="gsl_RestrictedStockShareBasedCompensationVestingPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsGranted" id="gsl_RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsGranted" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsNumberVested" id="gsl_RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsNumberVested" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsShareValueOnVestingDate" id="gsl_RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsShareValueOnVestingDate" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsVestedInPeriod" id="gsl_RestrictedStockUnitsShareBasedCompensationAwardsVestedInPeriod" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitMember" id="gsl_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RevenueRecognitionRelatedOperatingExpensesPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_RevenueRecognitionRelatedOperatingExpensesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfCommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" id="gsl_ScheduleOfCommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfCommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" id="gsl_ScheduleOfCommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfCommitmentsAndContingenciesTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfCommitmentsAndContingenciesTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfDeferredFinancingCostsTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfDeferredFinancingCostsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfDerivativeInterestRateSwapAgreementsTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfDerivativeInterestRateSwapAgreementsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfEstimatedLongTermDebtRepaymentsTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfEstimatedLongTermDebtRepaymentsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfIntangibleLiabilitiesCharterAgreementsTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfIntangibleLiabilitiesCharterAgreementsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfOtherOperatingIncomeExpenseTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfOtherOperatingIncomeExpenseTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfVesselsAndChartersTableTextBlock" id="gsl_ScheduleOfVesselsAndChartersTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SettlementOfHedgesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccounting" id="gsl_SettlementOfHedgesNotQualifyingForHedgeAccounting" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="gsl_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="gsl_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="SoftwareDevelopmentAdditions" id="gsl_SoftwareDevelopmentAdditions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SundryShippingIncomeMember" id="gsl_SundryShippingIncomeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TermOfWaiverForLeverageRatio" id="gsl_TermOfWaiverForLeverageRatio" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TimeCharterRevenueNet" id="gsl_TimeCharterRevenueNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TonnageTaxExpenseIncludedInOperatingExpense" id="gsl_TonnageTaxExpenseIncludedInOperatingExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="UnrealizedGainLossOnInterestRateDerivatives" id="gsl_UnrealizedGainLossOnInterestRateDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselAdditions" id="gsl_VesselAdditions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselCostsCapitalizedAndDepreciationAndAmortizationExpensesLineItems" id="gsl_VesselCostsCapitalizedAndDepreciationAndAmortizationExpensesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselDepreciationExpense" id="gsl_VesselDepreciationExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselNetBookValueVariationsTableTextBlock" id="gsl_VesselNetBookValueVariationsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselOperatingExpenses" id="gsl_VesselOperatingExpenses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselsEstimatedUsefulLife" id="gsl_VesselsEstimatedUsefulLife" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselsInOperationCost" id="gsl_VesselsInOperationCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselsInOperationLessAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock" id="gsl_VesselsInOperationLessAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselsInOperationLessAccumulatedDepreciationTextBlock" id="gsl_VesselsInOperationLessAccumulatedDepreciationTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselsInOperationNet" id="gsl_VesselsInOperationNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VesselsPolicyTextBlock" id="gsl_VesselsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VestedInJanuaryMember" id="gsl_VestedInJanuaryMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VestedInOctoberMember" id="gsl_VestedInOctoberMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VestedInSeptemberMember" id="gsl_VestedInSeptemberMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VilleDAquariusMember" id="gsl_VilleDAquariusMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VilleDOrionMember" id="gsl_VilleDOrionMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VotingInterest" id="gsl_VotingInterest" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockExercisePrice" id="gsl_WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockOutstanding" id="gsl_WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockOutstanding" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockOutstandingExpiryDate" id="gsl_WarrantsToPurchaseCommonStockOutstandingExpiryDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="WeightedAverageInterestSwapRate" id="gsl_WeightedAverageInterestSwapRate" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="YearBuilt" id="gsl_YearBuilt" type="xbrli:gYearItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="YildrimGroupMember" id="gsl_YildrimGroupMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
</schema>
