Peter Astbury is an accredited mediator based in London, offering formal mediation and informal mediation in difficult, live maritime situations. He combines extensive commercial shipping experience with more than two decades of frontline work in complex and sensitive situations around the world.
Frontline experience
Since 2003, Peter has worked as a trusted intermediary for shipowners, marine insurers and governments, helping to resolve difficult ship and crew detentions arising from cargo, dock and coral reef damage, oil pollution, injury and death, customs claims, illicit cargoes and civil disorder.
His experience includes situations involving deadlock, legal uncertainty, government intervention, duress and humanitarian concerns, typically where conventional legal processes cannot deliver timely or practical solutions.
He has also acted as a lead negotiation consultant and an intermediary in ship hijack and maritime kidnap cases, and advised NGOs and multilateral development agencies on complex stakeholder issues in fragile, frontier and post-conflict environments.
A commercial foundation
Peter spent the first 20 years of his career in shipbroking and as a Claims Director at an International Group P&I Club. This gave him a deep understanding of how shipping disputes develop, the pressures facing the parties involved and where practical opportunities for agreement can be found.
He combines this commercial foundation with his extensive frontline experience to bring an informed, independent and practical perspective to complex disputes.
Mediation approach
Peter works where legal, commercial, political, cultural and humanitarian considerations may overlap. His approach is calm, analytical and diplomatic, with a focus on reducing tension, building trust and helping parties move beyond deadlock towards workable solutions.
Based in London, he works with clients worldwide.