Abstract: Method and apparatus for laser-beam welding of longitudinal seams in container bodies feature overlapping longitudinal ends of a metal sheet, the length of the transverse ends of which exceeds a predetermiined circumferential dimension for the container body, into such a position relative to one another that they form an acute angle and define an angular opening, and the edge of one longitudinal end is oriented toward the inner face of the other longitudinal end. At least one focused laser beam, which is capable of relative movement with respect to this angular opening and parallel to the longitudinal ends, is aimed into the angular opening and locally melts portions of the longitudinal ends. The locally-molten longitudinal end portions are pressed against one another before they drop below the welding temperature to form a welded longitudinal seam.