Danaos Backlog Hits $4.3B as Containership Owner Pushes Into LNG via Alaska Project
Danaos is reporting a $4.3 billion contracted revenue backlog built on containership charter coverage, after adding roughly $428 million in extensions and new fixtures across 17 ships and lifting average remaining charter duration to about 4.3 years. Alongside that earnings visibility, the company is widening its shipping footprint through an Alaska LNG partnership that includes a $50 million development-capital commitment and a role as preferred tonnage provider for at least six LNG carriers, signaling an LNG pathway beyond its core boxship base.
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Danaos in one read
Danaos reported about $4.3B of contracted revenue/backlog, supported by high forward employment coverage and a fresh round of extensions and fixtures. Separately, the company announced an Alaska LNG partnership that includes a $50M equity investment and a preferred role to construct and operate at least six LNG carriers tied to the project.
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Backlog and duration
Reported contracted revenue/backlog of about $4.3B, with average remaining charter duration cited around 4.3 years. -
Coverage ladder
Employment coverage cited as 100% for 2026, about 87% for 2027, and about 64% for 2028 (operating days). -
LNG pathway
Alaska LNG partnership includes a $50M commitment and a preferred role for at least six LNG carriers associated with the project.
The combined signal is earnings visibility from the charter book, plus a defined LNG carrier requirement linked to an external project timeline.
| Reader shortcut | Fresh datapoint | Timing and coverage | Commercial meaning | Watchpoints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backlog headline |
Contracted operating revenue backlog cited at about $4.3B.
Backlog cited as including newbuildings in the company’s reporting.
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Average remaining containership charter duration cited around 4.3 years. | A longer weighted charter book reduces near-term exposure to spot rate swings. | How much of the backlog rolls into 2028 to 2029 at fixed vs indexed terms. |
| Increment added | About $428M added to backlog via extensions and new fixtures covering 17 ships. | Coverage cited at 100% for 2026, about 87% for 2027, and about 64% for 2028 (operating days). | High forward coverage can strengthen lender and counterparty confidence in cash flow visibility. | Renewal pace and duration, especially if charterers shorten tenor in a weaker rate environment. |
| LNG expansion lane | Strategic partnership announced to advance the Alaska LNG project. | Danaos to invest $50M in development capital (reported structure: through Glenfarne Alaska Partners). | Establishes an LNG pathway separate from the containership charter book. | Milestones and financing cadence on the project side that determine vessel timing needs. |
| Tonnage role | Danaos described as preferred provider to construct and operate at least six LNG carriers for the project. | The tonnage requirement is tied to project execution rather than near-term fleet redeployment. | Creates a potential multi-vessel LNG employment channel if project phases advance as planned. | Any confirmed carrier specifications, yard selection, and delivery windows once orders firm. |
| Balance sheet context |
Reporting also highlighted high liquidity and recent refinancing steps alongside the backlog story.
Useful context for funding flexibility around growth initiatives.
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Longer charter coverage supports debt planning and buyback or capex timing decisions. | The combination of fixed cash flows and optional growth lanes can change valuation framing versus pure spot exposure. | Capital allocation signals in future quarters: buybacks, dividends, debt reduction, or vessel acquisition pace. |
Contracted revenue/backlog is reported at about $4.3B, with average remaining charter duration cited around 4.3 years.
Employment is cited as 100% for 2026, about 87% for 2027, and about 64% for 2028 (operating days).
Danaos also disclosed an Alaska LNG partnership including a $50M equity investment and a role as preferred tonnage provider for at least six LNG carriers.
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