Peter MacDonald Eggers KC

Peter MacDonald Eggers KC

Silk: 2011 | Call: 1999

Practice Profile


Peter MacDonald Eggers KC is a “very user-friendly and commercial barrister” who specialises in all aspects of commercial law, with a particular focus on insurance and reinsurance , shipping and transport, energy, commodities and international trade, financial services, professional negligence, and international investment projects. Peter appears before the Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court and in commercial and international arbitrations. Peter has also appeared before Courts in other jurisdictions. Peter also accepts appointments to act as an arbitrator.

During 2017-2023, Peter MacDonald Eggers KC was appointed by the Lord Chief Justice as a Deputy High Court Judge, assigned to the Queen’s/King’s Bench Division.

Peter has appeared in a number of the recent leading commercial cases, including Technip Saudi Arabia Ltd v The Mediterranean and Gulf Cooperative Insurance and Reinsurance Company (WELCAR insurance; collision with platform); Aercap Ireland Ltd v AIG Europe SA (aviation insurance; leased aircraft in Russia); Greggs plc v Zurich Insurance plc (business interruption insurance; COVID-19); Piraeus Bank AE v Antares Underwriting Ltd (mortgagees interest insurance); Quadra Commodities SA v XL Insurance Co SE (cargo insurance; warehouse fraud); ABN AMRO Bank NV v Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc (cargo insurance); Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc v Textainer Group Holdings plc (container insurance and subrogation); Enemalta plc v Standard Club Asia Ltd (collision and jurisdiction); Axis Corporate Capital UK II Ltd v ABSA Group Ltd (jurisdiction and reinsurance); Aegean Baltic Bank SA v Renzlor Shipping SA (ship mortgage and hull insurance); Generali Italia SpA v Pelagic Fisheries Corp (hull insurance, jurisdiction), Aspen Underwriting Ltd v Kairos Shipping Ltd (hull insurance, jurisdiction), Cultural Foundation v Beazley Furlonge Ltd (professional indemnity insurance, third party rights against insurers), The Cape Bari (Limitation Convention and collision with sea berth), Suez Fortune Investments  Ltd  v  Talbot  Underwriting  Ltd  (constructive  total  loss  of  an  oil  tanker ), Rathbone Brothers plc v Novae Corporate Underwriting (insurance claim for breach of trust and subrogation), The Princess of the Stars (reinsurance claim for the loss of a vessel in a typhoon), Sea Glory Maritime Co v Al Sagr National Insurance Co (The Nancy) (duty of utmost good faith, ISM warranty and public policy relating to a hull insurance claim), Arash Shipping v Groupama (impact of EU sanctions against Iran on a fleet insurance policy), Masefield v Amlin (insurance claim for cargo seized by Somali pirates), Gard v Tunnicliffe (reinsurance claim relating to Hurricane Rita losses), The WD Fairway (insurance claim relating to vessel damaged by collision), Limit v AXA (energy reinsurance treaty claim), and AIG v Faraday (D&O reinsurance).

In 2019 Peter was awarded Insurance Silk of the Year at the Chambers Bar Awards 2019.

Peter is recognised as a leading silk in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal, being described as “The finest lawyer and a superb advocate, with an engaging and authoritative courtroom presence”, “a great person to work with, and a real team player”, a “fearsome advocate and a fantastic lawyer”, and “is praised for his winning combination of deep legal knowledge, great interpersonal skills and astute understanding of clients’ needs”.

Peter has practised as a commercial barrister at 7KBW since 2000. Prior to that, he practised as a commercial litigation solicitor for 10 years at a City law firm, where he was a partner for 4 years. Having practised as both barrister and solicitor has given Peter “the advantage over many of his peers of being able to converse fluently with solicitors and lay clients”. Peter teaches at UCL, KCL and Queen Mary University and has published widely, regarded as having “Strong academic credentials and pronounced creative streak”.

Selected cases:

  • Technip Saudi Arabia Ltd v The Mediterranean and Gulf Cooperative Insurance and Reinsurance Company [2023] EWHC 1859 (Comm) (WELCAR insurance; collision with platform)
  • Aercap Ireland Ltd v AIG Europe SA [2023] EWHC 96 (Comm); [2023] 1 WLR 2448 (aviation insurance; leased aircraft in Russia)
  • Greggs plc v Zurich Insurance plc [2022] EWHC 2545 (Comm) (business interruption insurance; COVID-19)
  • Piraeus Bank AE v Antares Underwriting Ltd [2022] EWHC 1169 (Comm) (mortgagees interest insurance)
  • Quadra Commodities SA v XL Insurance Co SE [2022] EWHC 431 (Comm); [2023] EWCA Civ 432; [2023] Lloyd’s Rep IR 455 (cargo insurance; warehouse fraud)
  • ABN AMRO Bank NV v Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc [2021] EWCA Civ 1789; [2022] 1 WLR 1773 (cargo insurance)
  • Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc v Textainer Group Holdings plc [2021] EWHC 2102 (Comm); [2021] 1 WLR 4683 (container insurance and subrogation)
  • Axis Corporate Capital UK II Ltd v ABSA Group Ltd [2021] EWHC 225 (Comm); [2021] Lloyd’s Rep IR 195; [2021] EWHC 861 (Comm); [2021] Lloyd’s Rep IR 267; [2022] EWHC 1870 (Comm) (jurisdiction and reinsurance)
  • Generali Italia SpA v Pelagic Fisheries Corp [2020] EWHC 1228 (Comm); [2020] 1 WLR 4211  (hull insurance, jurisdiction)
  • Aspen Underwriting Ltd v Kairos Shipping Ltd [2017] EWHC 1904 (Comm); [2017] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 295; [2018] EWCA Civ 2590; [2020] UKSC 11; [2020] 2 WLR 919 (hull insurance, jurisdiction)
  • Suez Fortune Investments Ltd v Talbot Underwriting Ltd [2019] EWHC 2599 (Comm); [2019] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 485 (total loss of tanker; insured perils; co-insurance)
  • Cultural Foundation v Beazley Furlonge Ltd [2018] EWHC 1083 (Comm); [2019] Lloyd’s Rep IR 12 (professional indemnity insurance, third party rights against insurers)
  • Suez Fortune Investments Ltd v Talbot Underwriting Ltd [2015]  EWHC  42 (Comm); [2015] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 651 (hull war risks insurance claim; constructive total loss; loss of hire; sue and labour)
  • Rathbone Brothers Plc and another v. Novae Corporate Underwriting and others [2014] EWCA Civ 1464; [2015] Lloyd’s IR 95 (offshore trust; professional indemnity and D&O liability insurance; subrogation and co-assureds)
  • Amlin Corporate Member Ltd v Oriental Assurance Corporation (“Princess of The Stars”)  [2014] EWCA Civ 1135; [2014] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 561 (hull reinsurance; loss of ferry during typhoon; typhoon warranty)
  • Rathbone Brothers Plc v Novae Corporate Underwriting [2013] EWHC 3457 (Comm); [2013] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 523 (professional liability insurance; claims for breach of trust; whether an employee was an insured person; application of excess “other insurance” provisions; rights of subrogation against co-insured)
  • Sea Glory Maritime Co v Al Sagr National Insurance Co [2013] EWHC 2116 (Comm); ); [2014] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 14 (hull insurance; CTL by fire; misrepresentation and non-disclosure; PSC detentions; ISM warranty; section 41 of the Marine Insurance Act 1906; effect of foreign civil illegality)
  • Amlin Corporate Member Limited v Oriental Assurance Corporation, [2012] EWHC 540 (Comm); [2012] EWCA Civ 1341; [2013] Lloyd’s Rep IR 131 (cargo liability reinsurance; typhoon warranty; case management stay). In this case, the Court reviewed the principles applicable to an application for a stay of proceedings in relation to a claim by London Reinsurers for a declaration of no liability to a Philippine reinsured in respect of a shipowner’s alleged cargo liabilities arising out of the loss of a ferry during Typhoon Frank in 2008.
  • Arash Shipping  v  Groupama  Transport  [2011]  EWCA  Civ  620;  [2011]  2  Lloyd’s  Rep  607:  This  case concerned the impact of Council Regulation (EU) No 961/2010 on a provision which purported to extend a fleet marine policy automatically where the assured was an “Iranian person”. The case also concerned the interpretation of the Iran Sanctions Clause found in certain policies.
  • Masefield AG v Amlin Corporate Member Ltd [2010] EWHC 280 (Comm); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep 509; [2011] EWCA Civ 24; [2011] 1 WLR 2012: This decision – the first case involving a piracy claim under an insurance policy for more than 150 years – clarifies the law of marine insurance, piracy and total losses, and the treatment of ransom payments as a matter of English law and public policy (cargo insurance; Somali piracy; actual total loss; constructive total loss; payment of ransom; public policy)
  • Gard Marine & Energy Ltd v Tunnicliffe [2010] EWCA Civ 1052; [2011] Lloyd’s Rep IR 489; [2009] EWHC 2388 (Comm); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep IR 60 (energy reinsurance; Hurricane Rita; Jurisdiction Regulation, art. 5 and 6; applicable law)
  • Owners of Kamal XXVI v Owners of Ariela [2010] EWHC 2531 (Comm); [2011] Lloyd’s Rep IR 220: Peter MacDonald Eggers acted in this matter concerning the claim for privilege in respect of documents in the case of third party fraud.
  • Dornoch Limited v Westminster International BV (No 1) [2009] EWHC 201 (Admlty); [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR 540 (marine insurance; Brussels I Regulation, art. 6)
  • Dornoch Limited v Westminster International BV (No 2) [2009] EWHC 889 (Admlty); [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR 573 (marine insurance; constructive total loss; abandonment and subrogation; private international law; movable property)
  • Dornoch Limited v Westminster International BV (No 3) [2009] EWHC 1782 (Admlty); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep IR 1 (marine insurance; sections 63 and 79 of the Marine Insurance Act 1906; subrogation; title to movable property; section 423-425 of the Insolvency Act 1986)
  • Limit -v- AXA [2008] EWCA Civ 1231; [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR 396 [2007] EWHC 2321 (Comm); [2008] Lloyd’s Rep IR 330 (energy reinsurance; non-disclosure and misrepresentation; cession of risks)
  • AIG Europe (Ireland) Ltd v Faraday Capital Ltd [2007] EWCA Civ 1208; [2008] Lloyd’s Rep IR 454; [2006] EWHC 2707; [2007] Lloyd’s Rep IR 267 (directors and officers liability risks; reinsurance; claims co-operation clause; claim relating to artificial inflation of share price under US securities legislation)
  • Talbot Underwriting Ltd v Nausch Hogan & Murray [2006] EWCA Civ 889; [2006] Lloyd’s Rep IR 531; [2005] EWHC 2359 (Comm); [2006] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 195 (builders’ all risks insurance; shipyard’s entitlement to sue under policy; doctrine of undisclosed principal; non-disclosure; claim against broker in negligence)
  • Faraday Capital Ltd v Copenhagen Reinsurance Company Ltd [2006] EWHC 1474 (Comm); [2007] Lloyd’s Rep IR 23 (power station; property all risks; reinsurance; follow settlements clause; “without prejudice” settlements)
  • Goshawk Syndicate Management Ltd v XL Specialty Insurance Co [2004] EWHC 1086 (Comm); [2004] Lloyd’s Rep IR 683 (reinsurance; retail shops in World Trade Center; terrorist attack; transit and stock risks; construction; annual aggregate deductible)
  • College Credit Ltd v National Guarantee Corp Ltd [2004] EWHC 978 (Comm); [2005] Lloyd’s Rep IR 5 (credit insurance; policy interpretation)
  • British Credit Trust Holdings v UK Insurance Ltd [2003] EWHC 2404 (Comm); [2004] 1 All ER (Comm) 444 (credit insurance; time bar; abandonment; relation back)
  • O’Kane v Jones [2003] EWHC 2158 (Comm); [2004] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 389 (marine insurance; double insurance; insurable interest; contribution; non-disclosure; mistake)
  • Assicurazioni Generali SpA v Ege Sigorta AS [2002] Lloyd’s Rep IR 480 (reinsurance; bankers blanket bond insurance; jurisdiction and forum conveniens)
  • Shell UK Ltd v CLM Engineering Ltd [2000] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 612 (contractors all risks insurance; construction of production platform, sub-sea drilling centres and pipelines in North Sea; scope of insuring clause)

As a Solicitor:

  • Eide (UK) Ltd v Lowndes Lambert Group Ltd [1999] QB 199 (marine insurance; brokers’ lien; composite policy)
  • Royal Boskalis Westminster NV v Mountain [1997] LRLR 523; [1999] QB 674 (war and political risks insurance; detention of fleet in Iraq during First Gulf War)
  • Ventouris v Mountain (The Italia Express) [1991] 1 WLR 607; [1992] 1 WLR 887; [1992] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 281 (marine war and political risks insurance; vessel explosion)

Other recent cases:

  • Acting for insurers in respect of fidelity, professional liability and directors and officers risks insured by banks and multi-national corporations
  • Acting for insurers in respect of liabilities of investment and hedge funds
  • Acting for insurers in respect of spacecraft and satellite insurance
  • Acting for insurers in respect of mass consumer product liability and credit risks
  • Acting for insurers and shipowners in respect of Somali piracy claims
  • Acting for insurers in a variety of financial services mis-selling cases
  • Acting for insurers, reinsurers and shipowners in respect of terrorists attacks, kidnap and ransom cases, and piracy claims
  • Acting for brokers in numerous film finance insurance cases
  • Acting for joint venture of oil companies in respect of construction of offshore oil rig and platform and related insurance risks
  • Acting for insurers in respect of power station losses
  • Acting for insurers and assureds in respect of actual and constructive total loss claims
  • Acting for insurers and assureds in respect of natural disaster losses (hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, flood, fires)
  • Acting for insurers and assureds in respect of riot claims

 

Selected cases:

  • Quadra Commodities SA v XL Insurance Co SE [2022] EWHC 431 (Comm) (cargo insurance)
  • Knapfield v CARS Holdings Ltd [2022] EWHC 1437 (Comm); [2022] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 431 (CMR; transport of goods by road)
  • ABN AMRO Bank NV v Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc [2021] EWCA Civ 1789; [2022] 1 WLR 1773 (cargo insurance)
  • Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc v Textainer Group Holdings plc [2021] EWHC 2102 (Comm); [2021] 1 WLR 4683 (container insurance and subrogation)
  • Enemalta plc v Standard Club Asia Ltd [2021] EWHC 1215 (Comm) (collision and jurisdiction)
  • Aegean Baltic Bank SA v Renzlor Shipping SA [2020] EWHC 2851 (Comm) (ship mortgage and hull insurance)
  • Generali Italia SpA v Pelagic Fisheries Corp [2020] EWHC 1228 (Comm); [2020] 1 WLR 4211  (hull insurance, jurisdiction)
  • Aspen Underwriting Ltd v Kairos Shipping Ltd [2017] EWHC 1904 (Comm); [2017] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 295; [2018] EWCA Civ 2590; [2020] UKSC 11; [2020] 2 WLR 919(hull insurance, jurisdiction)
  • Suez Fortune Investments Ltd v Talbot Underwriting Ltd [2019] EWHC 2599 (Comm); [2019] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 485 (total loss of tanker; insured perils; co-insurance)
  • The Owners of the Cape Bari v Bahamas Oil Refining Company International Ltd  [2016] UKPC 20; [2016] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 469 l (Collision with loading facility; limitation of liability under 1976 Convention; contracting out)
  • Suez Fortune Investments Ltd v Talbot Underwriting Ltd [2015] EWHC  42 (Comm); [2015] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 651 (hull war risks insurance claim; constructive total loss; loss of hire; sue and labour)
  • “Princess of The Stars” [2014] EWCA Civ 1135; [2014] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 561 (hull reinsurance; loss of ferry during typhoon; typhoon warranty)
  • Sea Glory Maritime Co v Al Sagr National Insurance Co [2013] EWHC 2116 (Comm); [2014] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 14 (hull insurance; CTL by fire; misrepresentation and non-disclosure; PSC detentions; ISM warranty; section 41 of the Marine Insurance Act 1906; effect of foreign civil illegality)
  • Hyundai Merchant Marine Company Limited v Americas Bulk Transport Limited (The Pacific Champ) [2013] EWHC 470 (Comm); [2013] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 320 (whether binding charterparty and arbitration agreement; construction of a “subject review” provision; whether there was a separable arbitration agreement.
  • Amlin Corporate Member Limited v Oriental Assurance Corporation, [2012] EWHC 540 (Comm); [2012] EWCA Civ 1341 (cargo liability reinsurance; typhoon warranty; case management stay). In this case, the Court reviewed the principles applicable to an application for a stay of proceedings in relation to a claim by London Reinsurers for a declaration of no liability to a Philippine reinsured in respect of a shipowner’s alleged cargo liabilities arising out of the loss of a ferry during Typhoon Frank in 2008.
  • Osmium Shipping Corporation v Cargill International SA [2012] EWHC 571 (Comm); [2012] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 46: This case concerned the construction of an off-hire clause and the Conwartime Clause in a charterparty and whether a piratical seizure was an off-hire event
  • Golden Ocean Group Limited v Salgaocar Mining Industries PVT [2012] EWCA Civ 265; [2012] Lloyd’s Rep Plus 27; [2011] EWHC 56 (Comm); [2011] 1 WLR 2575: Charterparty, Jurisdiction, Statute of Frauds 1671, Guarantee
  • Arash Shipping  v  Groupama  Transport  [2011]  EWCA  Civ  620;  [2011]  2  Lloyd’s  Rep  607:  This  case concerned the impact of Council Regulation (EU) No 961/2010 on a provision which purported to extend a fleet marine policy automatically where the assured was an “Iranian person”. The case also concerned the interpretation of the Iran Sanctions Clause found in certain policies.
  • TTMI SARL v Statoil ASA [2011] EWHC 1150 (Comm); [2011] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 220: This case concerned an appeal from an arbitration award as to jurisdiction and whether or not a charterparty had been concluded
  • Masefield AG v Amlin Corporate Member Ltd [2010] EWHC 280 (Comm); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep 509; [2011] EWCA Civ 24; [2011] 1 WLR 2012: This decision – the first case involving a piracy claim under an insurance policy for more than 150 years – clarifies the law of marine insurance, piracy and total losses, and the treatment of ransom payments as a matter of English law and public policy (cargo insurance; Somali piracy; actual total loss; constructive total loss; payment of ransom; public policy)
  • Owners of Kamal XXVI v Owners of Ariela [2010] EWHC 2531 (Comm); [2011] Lloyd’s Rep IR 220: Peter MacDonald Eggers acted in this matter concerning the claim for privilege in respect of documents in the case of third party fraud.
  • Buyuk Camlica Shipping Trading and Industry Co Inc v Progress Bulk Carriers Limited [2010] EWHC 442 (Comm); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep Plus 102 (applications under sections 68 and 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996; charterparty description; unsafe port)
  • Dornoch Limited v Westminster International BV (No 1) [2009] EWHC 201 (Admlty); [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR 540 (marine insurance; Brussels I Regulation, art. 6)
  • Dornoch Limited v Westminster International BV (No 2) [2009] EWHC 889 (Admlty); [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR 573 (marine insurance; constructive total loss; abandonment and subrogation; private international law; movable property)
  • Dornoch Limited v Westminster International BV (No 3) [2009] EWHC 1782 (Admlty); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep IR 1 (marine insurance; sections 63 and 79 of the Marine Insurance Act 1906; subrogation; title to movable property; section 423-425 of the Insolvency Act 1986)
  • Talbot Underwriting Ltd v Nausch Hogan & Murray [2006] EWCA Civ 889; [2006] Lloyd’s Rep IR 531; [2005] EWHC 2359 (Comm); [2006] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 195 (builders’ all risks insurance; shipyard’s entitlement to sue under policy; doctrine of undisclosed principal; non-disclosure; claim against broker in negligence)
  • The David Agmashenebeli [2002] EWHC 104 (Admty); [2003] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 92 (liability of shipowner for clausing of bill of lading)

As a Solicitor:

  • Eide (UK) Ltd v Lowndes Lambert Group Ltd [1999] QB 199 (marine insurance; brokers’ lien; composite policy)
  • Royal Boskalis Westminster NV v Mountain [1997] LRLR 523; [1999] QB 674 (war and political risks insurance; detention of fleet in Iraq during First Gulf War)
  • Ventouris v Mountain (The Italia Express) [1991] 1 WLR 607; [1992] 1 WLR 887; [1992] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 281 (marine war and political risks insurance; vessel explosion)

Recent Cases:

  • Acting for insurers,shipowners, banks, charterers,in respect of total loss claims
  • Acting for shipowners and charterers in respect of wide variety of charterparty disputes
  • Acting for shipowners and charterers in respect of Somali piracy claims
  • Acting for buyers and sellers in shipbuilding disputes
  • Acting for buyers and sellers in ship sale disputes

Selected cases:

  • Technip Saudi Arabia Ltd v The Mediterranean and Gulf Cooperative Insurance and Reinsurance Company [2023] EWHC 1859 (Comm) (WELCAR insurance; collision with platform)
  • Gard Marine & Energy Ltd v Tunnicliffe [2010] EWCA Civ 1052; [2011] Lloyd’s Rep IR 489; [2009] EWHC 2388 (Comm); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep IR 60 (energy reinsurance; Hurricane Rita; Jurisdiction Regulation, art. 5 and 6; applicable law)
  • Limit (No. 2) Ltd v AXA Versicherung AG [2008] EWCA Civ 1231; [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR 396 [2007] EWHC 2321 (Comm); [2008] Lloyd’s Rep IR 330 (energy reinsurance; non-disclosure and misrepresentation; cession of risks)
  • Faraday Capital Ltd v Copenhagen Reinsurance Company Ltd [2006] EWHC 1474 (Comm); [2006] Lloyd’s Rep IR 23 (power station; property all risks; reinsurance; follow settlements clause; “without prejudice” settlements)
  • BCL Trading GmbH v Trafigura Beheer BV [2002] EWCA Civ 251 (sale of goods; gas oil; CIF; payment of price; section 49 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979)
  • Shell UK Ltd v CLM Engineering Ltd [2000] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 612 (contractors all risks insurance; construction of production platform, sub-sea drilling centres and pipelines in North Sea; scope of insuring clause)

As a Solicitor:

  • I P Metal Ltd v Ruote OZ SpA [1993] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 60; [1994] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 560 (sale of aluminium; jurisdiction)

Other recent cases:

  • Disputes relating to ownership of oil and gas concessions
  • Acting for insurers and assureds in respect of power station losses
  • Acting for owners, operators, contractors and insurers for off-shore construction and maintenance projects

Selected cases:

  • Habas Sinai Ve Tibbi Gazlar Istihsal Endustrisi v VSC Steel Co Ltd [2013] EWHC 4071 (Comm) (jurisdiction challenge to arbitration award, applicable law, sale of goods (steel))
  • Gujarat NRE Coke Ltd v Coeclerici Asia (Pte) Ltd [2013] EWHC 1987 (Comm) (sale of metallurgical coke;guarantee; alleged serious irregularity; section 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996)
  • BCL Trading GmbH v Trafigura Beheer BV [2002] EWCA Civ 251 (sale of goods; gas oil; CIF; payment of price; section 49 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979)

As a Solicitor:

  • I P Metal Ltd v Ruote OZ SpA [1993] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 60; [1994] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 560 (sale of aluminium; jurisdiction)

Selected cases:

  • Habas Sinai Ve Tibbi Gazlar Istihsal Endustrisi v VSC Steel Co Ltd [2013] EWHC 4071 (Comm) (jurisdiction challenge to arbitration award under section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996, applicable law, sale of goods (steel))
  • Gujarat NRE Coke Ltd v Coeclerici Asia (Pte) Ltd [2013] EWHC 1987 (Comm) (sale of metallurgical coke; guarantee; alleged serious irregularity; section 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996)
  • Hyundai Merchant Marine Company Limited v Americas Bulk Transport Limited (The Pacific Champ) [2013] EWHC 470 (Comm) (whether binding charterparty and arbitration agreement; construction of a “subject review” provision; whether there was a separable arbitration agreement; applications under sections 67, 68 and 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996)
  • Osmium Shipping Corporation v Cargill International SA [2012] EWHC 571 (Comm); [2012] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 46 (appeal against arbitration award pursuant to sect. 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996; piracy; off-hire)
  • TTMI SARL v Statoil ASA [2011] EWHC 1150 (Comm); [2011] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 220: This case concerned an appeal from an arbitration award as to jurisdiction and whether or not a charterparty had been concluded
  • Buyuk Camlica Shipping Trading and Industry Co Inc v Progress Bulk Carriers Limited [2010] EWHC 442 (Comm); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep Plus 102 (applications under sections 68 and 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996; charterparty description; unsafe port)

Selected cases:

  • IPOC International Growth Fund Limited v LVFG Finance Group Limited Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) (British Virgin Islands) 18th June 2007 (telecommunications dispute; enforcement of New York Convention award; natural justice; public policy; justiciability)

Selected cases:

Recent cases:

  • Acting for Lloyd’s underwriters in respect of investment banks disputes.
  • Acting for insurers in a variety of financial services mis-selling cases.

Selected cases:

  • Enemalta plc v Standard Club Asia Ltd [2021] EWHC 1215 (Comm) (collision and jurisdiction)
  • Axis Corporate Capital UK II Ltd v ABSA Group Ltd [2021] EWHC 225 (Comm); [2021] Lloyd’s Rep IR 195; [2021] EWHC 861 (Comm); [2021] Lloyd’s Rep IR 267 (jurisdiction and reinsurance)
  • Generali Italia SpA v Pelagic Fisheries Corp [2020] EWHC 1228 (Comm); [2020] 1 WLR 4211 (hull insurance, jurisdiction)
  • Aspen Underwriting Ltd v Kairos Shipping Ltd [2017] EWHC 1904 (Comm); [2017] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 295; [2018] EWCA Civ 2590; [2020] UKSC 11; [2020] 2 WLR 919 (hull insurance, jurisdiction)
  • Habas Sinai Ve Tibbi Gazlar Istihsal Endustrisi v VSC Steel Co Ltd [2013] EWHC 4071 (Comm) (jurisdiction challenge to arbitration award, applicable law, sale of goods (steel))
  • Golden Ocean Group Limited v Salgaocar Mining Industries PVT [2012] EWCA Civ 265; [2012] Lloyd’s Rep Plus 27; [2011] EWHC 56 (Comm); [2011] 1 WLR 2575: Charterparty, Jurisdiction, Statute of Frauds 1671, Guarantee
  • Gard Marine & Energy Ltd v Tunnicliffe [2010] EWCA Civ 1052; [2011] Lloyd’s Rep IR 489; [2009] EWHC 2388 (Comm); [2010] Lloyd’s Rep IR 60 (energy reinsurance; Hurricane Rita; Jurisdiction Regulation, art. 5 and 6; applicable law)
  • Dornoch Limited v Westminster International BV (No 1) [2009] EWHC 201 (Admlty); [2009] Lloyd’s Rep IR540 (Jurisdiction Regulation, art. 6)
  • IPOC International Growth Fund Limited v LVFG Finance Group Limited Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) (British Virgin Islands) 18th June 2007 (telecommunications dispute; enforcement of New York Convention award; natural justice; public policy; justiciability)
  • Assicurazioni Generali SpA v Ege Sigorta AS [2002] Lloyd’s Rep IR 480 (reinsurance; bankers blanket bond insurance; jurisdiction and forum conveniens)

As a Solicitor:

  • I P Metal Ltd v Ruote OZ SpA [1993] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 60; [1994] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 560 (sale of aluminium; jurisdiction)
  • “Peter is a pleasure to work with. He is down to earth and is clear in explaining his view and approach.”
  • “He is very user-friendly, has great intellect, is great with clients and is commercially astute.”
  • “Peter is extremely knowledgeable about insurance law and is a pleasure to work with.”

      International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance

  • “The thing that sets him apart from most of his peers is his client interaction and bedside manner. He is very good with clients and really understands their business.”
  • “He is our favourite; he is very clever and responsive. He understands the commercial client side.”

     Insurance, Chambers UK Bar 2024

  • “I very strongly recommend Peter and have very high confidence in him.”
  • “I think extremely highly of Peter, he’s first class.”
  • “Peter is a very good silk.”

     Shipping & Commodities, Chambers UK Bar 2024

  • ‘Peter is a superb advocate, authoritative and with real gravitas, and he has a first-class brain.’

     Commodities, Legal 500 2024

  • “Mr Insurance and Reinsurance, he’s excellent.” “He leaves no stone unturned.” “Peter is an excellent advocate.” Chambers & Partners 2023
  • “Peter is an intellectual heavyweight, good at seeing the bigger picture.” “He brings a sense of control to the most difficult cases.” “Peter offers astute advice combined with a no-nonsense approach and strong commercial acumen.” Chambers & Partners 2023
  • “Peter is an excellent mind and advocate with strong commercial skills and great client service.” “Peter produces clear, succinct advice. His advocacy is clear and persuasive and his cross-examination is also very skilful.” “Peter is a tremendous talent who combines astute advice with a no-nonsense approach and strong commercial acumen.” Chambers & Partners 2023
  •  “Peter is responsive, intellectually strong, and has great judgement. He knows his stuff on reinsurance. Legal 500, 2023
  • “An exceptional advocate who is very good at breaking down complex legal issues and distilling them in a understandable and user-friendly way”. Legal 500, 2023
  • Peter is “singled out as a “very strong silk” and “one of the biggest names in this area”; Peter “comes highly recommended as “an intellectual barrister, whose past work as a solicitor means he can easily explain things to clients”; Peter “is destined for even greater heights”, according to sources who applaud his top-tier advocacy in piracy, charter party and sanctions litigation”. Who’s Who Legal 2022.
  • “His written work is incredibly clear and easy for clients to digest and he is excellent in conference.” “Peter is a fierce intellect.” “He knows complex, high-value coverage disputes inside out. He is a very effective advocate.” “He is knowledgeable and an insurance expert.” “Peter is an erudite barrister.” “He is an extremely good, conscientious lawyer.” “Peter is very considered, approachable and has a real interest in marine law.” Chambers UK 2022
  • ‘A quite remarkable silk who is hugely knowledgeable and immensely able yet manages to retain an affability and approachability.’ ‘Incredible ability to turn things round and never sits on the fence – you always get an answer.’ ‘His written advice is beautifully expressed, his drafting well-crafted and precise. His apparent ease of manner conceals a steely advocate.’ Legal 500 2022
  • “His advice is really considered, very commercial and well thought through.” “He is extremely well versed in insurance law and has written extensively on the subject.” “A formidable intellect.” Chambers UK 2021
  • “His intellect is second to none, he’s incredibly user-friendly and responsive and he takes a collaborative approach.” Chambers UK 2021
  • “He is a marine insurance specialist.” “He is very experienced, knowledgeable of the law and a resourceful problem solver.” Chambers UK 2021
  • “A skilled advocate who has an impressively in-depth knowledge of marine insurance law. His advice is comprehensive yet accessible and always delivered on time and on budget.” “He is a very highly regarded practitioner and a very careful, sensible advocate.” Chambers Global 2021
  • “A very sharp QC.” Chambers Global 2021
  • ‘A star in terms of analysis, he has a calm, measured and appealing quality as an advocate.’ Legal 500 2021
  • ‘A star in terms of analysis of legal problems, and has a calm, measured and appealing quality as an advocate. His written advice is also excellent, and what makes Peter stand out is how client friendly and commercially astute he is when giving his advice.’ Legal 500 2021
  • ‘Simply enormously able, an encyclopaedic knowledge matched to an awesome capacity for work.’ Legal 500 2021
  • A go-to silk for high-value insurance and reinsurance matters. He is involved in a wide array of international cases arising from complex issues such as piracy, trade sanctions and natural disasters. MacDonald Eggers has further expertise in insurance disputes relating to the financial, construction and energy sectors. Chambers UK 2020
  • “He has enormous, in-depth knowledge of insurance.” “Peter is exceptionally intelligent, commercial and a go-to silk. He is a heavyweight in the courtroom and a delight to watch in action. His opponents sit up and take notice when he starts to talk.” Chambers UK 2020
  • Well-reputed silk with a far-reaching arbitration practice. He is best known for his work in the insurance sphere, handling numerous claims involving reinsurance and D&O policies, as well as charter party and commodities disputes. He acts as both counsel and arbitrator for clients across the world, including in Africa and the Middle East. “A very sharp QC.” Chambers UK 2020
  • A dynamic commercial barrister with capability across shipping, commodities, insurance and energy matters among other areas. He has experience in piracy, sanctions, charter party and sale of goods disputes as well as a niche specialism in losses caused by natural disasters. Chambers UK 2020
  • “A skilled advocate who has an impressively in-depth knowledge of marine insurance law. His advice is comprehensive yet accessible and always delivered on time and on budget.” “He is a very highly regarded practitioner and a very careful, sensible advocate.” Chambers UK 2020
  • “Very knowledgeable.” Chambers Global 2020
  • ‘Responsive, level-headed and thorough in his work.’ Legal 500 2020
  • ‘He is a wonderful advocate and he has a very measured style.’ Legal 500 2020
  • ‘He is simply brilliant.’ Legal 500 2020
  • “A go-to silk for high-value insurance and reinsurance matters. He is involved in a wide array of international cases … ” Pragmatic and user-friendly.” “Very intelligent, with a very calm and measured manner.”” Chambers UK 2019
  • “Well-reputed silk with a far-reaching arbitration practice … “Really clever.” “He’s a great advocate with superb delivery and a calm demeanour.”” Chambers UK 2019
  • “A dynamic commercial barrister with capability across shipping, commodities, insurance and energy matters … “Very knowledgeable.”” Chambers UK 2019
  • “The “immensely learned” Peter MacDonald Eggers QC stands out among peers for his “strong academic expertise” and is commended for his “genuine intellectual engagement with the legal questions”.” Who’s Who Legal 2018
  • ‘Very strong analytically and able to present very effectively to clients.’ Legal 500 2018
  • ‘He is extraordinarily bright and develops innovative ways to address issues.’ Legal 500 2018
  •  ‘Very responsive and thorough, he provides clear and well-structured advice and is a very calm presence in court.’ Legal 500 2018
  • “He’s a very good guy – not least because he was a solicitor once – very user-friendly, very well prepared and very bright.” Chambers UK 2018
  • “His core strengths are his in-depth knowledge of insurance law and his ability to deliver advice in a very user-friendly way. Clients love him because he is very commercial, very knowledgeable and user-friendly.” Chambers UK 2018
  • “Provides high-quality advice.” Chambers UK 2018
  • “A calm, measured and persuasive advocate” Legal 500 2017
  • “Technically excellent and very easy to work with” Legal 500 2017
  • “Highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable on commodities and international trade” Legal 500 2017
  • A “very user-friendly and commercial” silk who is a go-to for high-value matters. He is involved in a wide array of international insurance cases arising from complex issues such as piracy, trade sanctions, and natural disasters. Chambers UK 2017
  • “Exceptionally knowledgeable and intelligent.” Chambers UK 2017
  • “Always delivers a first-class work product. He is very user-friendly and provides commercial legal advice without sitting on the fence.” Chambers UK 2017
  • A dynamic commercial barrister with capability across shipping, commodities, insurance and energy matters among other areas. He has experience in piracy, sanctions, charter party and sale of goods disputes.Chambers UK 2017
  • “He’s very approachable, very understanding and very happy to get his hands dirty and help us if need be. Chambers UK 2017
  • A “very user-friendly and commercial” silk who is a go-to for high-value matters. Chambers UK 2017
  • An “extremely hardworking” and “very knowledgeable” barrister Who’s Who Legal 2017
  • An exceptional barrister, who combines intellect with a personal touch. Legal 500 2016
  • His advocacy skills are first rate. Legal 500 2016
  • Quietly persuasive. Legal 500 2016
  • Has a very busy practice, owing in part to his extensive knowledge of maritime law and marine insurance, as well as his expertise in shipping and commodities matters. He is particularly strong on disputes arising out of piracy and terrorism-related events. “He has a very authoritative and calm style that is very appealing.” Chambers UK 2016.
  • Has a strong practice covering both domestic and international matters. He acts in high-profile and high-value matters including cases of piracy, natural disasters and fraud. Chambers UK 2016
  • ‘An excellent counsel; a pleasure to work with.’ … ‘Never out of his depth or phased by the highest echelons of legal complexity” … ‘Combines a fierce intellect with an engaging manner.’ Legal 500 2015
  • Offers clients a vibrant insurance practice that focuses on high-end insurer and reinsurance work. He has particular expertise in marine, energy and natural disaster-related claims. Chambers UK 2015
  • “A very user-friendly and commercial barrister who is outcome-focused.” Chambers UK 2015
  • Has a broad practice and expertise relating to the marine industry in a number of areas, including sanctions, trading disputes and charter party claims. Chambers UK 2015
  • “He is extremely diligent and will leave no stone unturned.” Chambers UK 2015
  • “He is enormously bright, has an excellent personality and works well with correspondent counsel.” Chambers UK 2015
  • “His knowledge of insurance and reinsurance law, especially in regard to shipping is second to none” Who’s Who Legal 2015
  • “he is able to communicate his highly strategic and technical ideas with clarity” Who’s Who Legal 2015
  • “an excellent insurance and reinsurance litigator whose clients commend his quick grasp of comlex issues and hands-on approach to cases” Who’s Who Legal 2015
  • ‘A superb advocate with an engaging and authoritative presence in court; a real pleasure to work with.’ Legal 500 2014
  • ‘The finest lawyer and a superb advocate, with an engaging and authoritative courtroom presence.’ Legal 500 2014
  • “Possesses deep knowledge of insurance and reinsurance law, and is particularly good on those matters involving shipping, natural catastrophes and professional negligence. He appears in complex cases both domestically and internationally … “He’s a great person to work with, and a real team player.” “A highly impressive QC who picks up the issues remarkably quickly.”” Chambers UK 2014
  • “He is praised for his winning combination of deep legal knowledge, great interpersonal skills and astute understanding of clients’ needs … “He is extremely bright, very personable and highly able.”” Chambers UK 2014
  • “The ‘clever and user-friendly’ Peter MacDonald Eggers QC is highlighted as ‘an excellent advocate’” Legal 500 2013
  • “picks up on the core issues of a case remarkably quickly,” and was described by one interviewee as being “a genius” Chambers UK 2013
  • “an excellent advocate, who is clever, approachable and thoroughly user-friendly” … “he has the advantage over many of his peers of being able to converse fluently with solicitors and lay clients” Chambers UK 2013
  • “Very bright, very personable, and looks at cases in a fresh way” Legal 500 2012
  • “Known for both his ‘Strong academic credentials and pronounced creative streak’” Chambers UK 2012
  • “very quick, clever and astute.” Chambers UK 2011
  • “a fearsome advocate and a fantastic lawyer.” Legal 500 2010
  • Contributing Editor, Chitty on Contracts (since 1995)
  • Co-author, Good Faith and Insurance Contracts (1998; 2nd ed, 2004; 3rd ed. 2010)
  • Co-editor, Commercial and Maritime Statutes (2000)
  • Contributor, Marine Insurance: The Law in Transition (2006)
  • Contributor, Reforming Marine and Commercial Insurance Law (2008)
  • Author, Deceit: The Lie of the Law (2009)
  • Contributor, Modern Piracy: Legal Challenges and Responses, (Edward Elgar, 2013)
  • Contributor, Ship Building, Sale and Finance (2016)
  • Contributor, The Modern Law of Marine Insurance – Volume IV (2016)
  • Contributor, The Insurance Act 2015 – A New Regime for Commercial and Marine Insurance Law (2016)
  • Author, The Vitiation of Contractual Consent (2016)
  • Co-author, Carver on Charterparties (2017)
  • Contributor, New Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Shipping Law in the 21st century (2019)
  • Contributor, Commercial Maritime Law (2020)
  • Contributor, Modern Law of Marine Insurance, Vol. 5, (2023)
  • Contributor, Damages, Recoveries and Remedies in Shipping Law (2023)
  • Contributor, Research Handbook on International Insurance Law & Regulation, forthcoming
  • Numerous articles
  • Deputy High Court Judge – 2017-2023

    Immediate Past Chair, Member of Committee, British Insurance Law Association

  • University of Sydney, LL.B. First in year (1986), winner of John George Dalley Prize and Butterworth Prize Member of Editorial Committee, Sydney Law Review
    Magdalene College, Cambridge, LL.M.

    Solicitor (England and Wales): 1991-1999
    Hill Dickinson: 1988-1989
    Hill Taylor Dickinson, London: 1989-1999; Partner 1995-1999
    Barrister (England and Wales): since 2000, practising at 7 King’s Bench Walk
    King’s Counsel: since 2011

    Visiting Professor, University College London
    Honorary Professor, University of Nottingham
    Honorary Fellow, Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, Swansea University
    Visiting Lecturer, Queen Mary University of London
    Visiting Lecturer, King’s College London

    Admitted New South Wales (solicitor) – 1987
    Admitted Eastern Caribbean (British Virgin Islands) (barrister) – 2006
    Admitted Gibraltar (barrister) – 2007
    Admitted Bahamas (barrister) – 2013 (single case)
    Admitted Bermuda (barrister) – 2022 (single case)
    Admitted New South Wales (solicitor) – 1987
    Admitted Eastern Caribbean (British Virgin Islands) (barrister) – 2006
    Admitted Gibraltar (barrister) – 2007
    Admitted Bahamas (barrister) – 2013 (single case)

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