Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) asked the U.S. Maritime Administration to confirm its eligibility as a Maritime Security Program (MSP) contractor under existing law so the company can more effectively and efficiently operate additional vessels under MSP. This action would increase from 4 to 19 the number of vessels currently under contract to the Maritime Administration. Under its operating contracts with Maersk Line, Limited, U.S. Ship Management, Inc. (USSM) has agreed to transfer direct operation of the vessels in question to Maersk should MLL elect to become the MSP contractor. Those contracts were reviewed and approved by the Maritime Administration in 1999. Under the new arrangement, the vessels will continue to be owned by the same "Section 2" U.S.