Maersk Line has entered into an agreement with two German ship management companies, ER Schiffahrt and Bernhard Schulte, who will manage 12 of the company's ships for the next five years, according to press releases from the parties. The move represents a break from normal practice at Maersk Line, which has always managed its own ships.  Ole Graa Jakobsen, manager of technical operations, explains in a press release that the company is confident that it has the best ship managers and crew, but he adds that it is time to challenge – and confirm – this conviction.