Jon Schofield News

British shipmaker and repairer Cammell Laird has been struck a heavy blow by the termination of a key cruise ship contract, which it said on Monday would have a "significant impact" on year results. Since the dispute which has led to this result, with Costa Crociere regarding a high-value cruise ship conversion, began in November, Cammell Laird’s shares have fallen dramatically from a year high of 147 pence to the current level of 13 ¾ pence. Cammell Laird posted a first-half pre-tax loss of 3.5 million pounds ($5.11 million) on turnover of 52.7 million -- down from 61.7 million -- and said it had been a difficult time for the company, primarily due to the Costa Classica dispute.

Cammell Laird's $500 million contract with U.S. firm Luxus could fail unless loan guarantees are received from the British government by the end of February. "It's urgent. I'd like to think it (loan guarantee approval) was certainly this month," Juan Kelly said. Kelly said he had written to British Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers to urge the speedy approval of loan guarantees for Luxus, which has ordered two luxury liners from Cammell Laird. Without the guarantees, Luxus, which is a start-up company, may not get bank loans to fund the orders, sources at Cammell Laird said recently. The guarantees could cover some 60 percent of the value of the contract.