B2 Stable News

Global ratings agency Moody's has downgraded the corporate family rating of French shipping major CMA CGM due to its "materially weaker" liquidity. The rating was downgraded to B2 from B1.Concurrently, the company's senior unsecured ratings were downgraded to Caa1 from B3. The outlook was changed to stable from negative."Today's rating action reflects that CMA CGM's liquidity profile has weakened materially in the last 12 months as a consequence of the acquisition of CEVA Logistics AG, although expected by Moody's to improve somewhat in 2020", says Daniel Harlid, Assistant Vice President -- Analyst and lead analyst for CMA CGM.The downgrade of CMA CGM's rating follows the acquisition of CEVA Logistics AG (Ceva…

Moody's Investors Service said Prestige Cruises International, Inc. , the indirect parent company of Oceania Cruises, Inc. (Oceania - B3, positive) and Seven Seas Cruises S. DER.L. (Regent - B2, stable), filing yesterday to take the company public is a credit positive. Oceania is a five-ship cruise company (one ship on charter through April 2014). Oceania targets the upper premium segment of the cruise industry. Regent is a three-ship (plus one on order) cruise ship operator that targets the luxury segment of the cruise industry. moodys.com

New York, April 24, 2012 -- Moody's issued a press release on the planned sale of United Maritime Group, LLC's ("UMG", B2 stable) inland river barge operation, United Barge Line, LLC ("UBL") to Ingram Barge Company (not rated) for $222 million, calling it is negative for the company's credit profile. UMG's business profile will change and cash flow generating capacity will meaningfully reduce with the divestiture of its inland river barging operations.  However, net proceeds likely in excess of $200 million could fund the repayment of a significant portion of UMG's indebtedness.  For further information, please see www.moodys.com