The shipyard in Boizenburg is where welder Karl and his friends and relatives work. Rumours about the traditional company's financial difficulties are circulating, but the young people are initially unfazed. However, the effects of the shipyard crisis are increasingly making themselves felt in their lives. The brother-in-law of Karl's girlfriend, Kitty, loses his job and eventually takes his own life. Shortly afterwards, Karl also receives his notice of termination. After a night of drinking with his shipyard colleagues to drown his frustrations, he cheats on Kitty with another woman. Their great love seems to be coming to an end.