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- M.Sc., Construction Law & Arbitration, King’s College, University of London, UK, 1998
- M.Sc., Construction Law & Arbitration, University of British Columbia, 1998
- Dip QS, Quantity Surveying, Kingston Polytechnic, UK, 1978
- Who's Who Legal Construction: Expert Witness
- Who's Who Legal Arbitration: Expert Witness
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
- Member, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
- Member of the Society of Construction Law (Singapore)
Peter Atkinson is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over 40 years of experience supporting owners, contractors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders on a variety of major projects in the building, industrial, infrastructure, power, utilities, and oil and gas sectors.
Peter provides independent expert advice and serves as an Expert Witness in matters of quantum and damages on international construction and engineering projects. He also has extensive experience of providing a variety of construction cost, commercial, contract, and dispute related services supporting clients in the international arena.
Peter has a wide range of experience at various stages of the construction process from inception to settlement of disputes on claims and final accounts. He has extensive construction contract knowledge gained from working on many domestic and international based standard forms of contract, such as the suite of FIDIC contracts, as well as bespoke contracts. Peter has experience in a variety of methods of measurement and valuation.
In over 40 years as a quantity surveyor working on or providing advice in relation to international projects, Peter's expertise is in matters of quantity surveying practice, valuation, damages, contract administration, contract management, commercial management, and cost management all in connection with on- and off- shore construction and engineering projects.
Area of Expertise
- Quantum Expert Witness
- Contracts Management
- Claims and Dispute Management
- Contract Review and Opinion
- Cost Management
- Strategic Project Procurement Advice
- Risk Identification and Management
- Valuation and Measurement Issues
- International Adjudicator/Third Party Neutral Evaluator
- International Construction Insolvency and Restructuring
Highlighted Sector Experience
- Energy- Power Generation, Oil and Gas, Pipelines, Exploration, Mining and Process
- Infrastructure - Roads and Bridges, Rail, Airports, Ports, Petrochemical and Pharmaceutical
- Marine & Offshore - Reclamation and Dredging, Subsea Construction, Shipping and Marine Structures
- Building - Commercial, Retail, Residential, Industrial and Leisure
Peter's recent insights

Leveraging Expert Determination
Force Majeure or Supplier Defect/Contractor Obligation
Selected Project Experience
OIL & GAS
Offshore Oil & Gas Project, Arabian Gulf (2022)
Appointed as quantum expert on a dispute heard in LCIA Arbitration in London in connection with the cost of replacing a sub-sea pipeline in the Arabian Gulf.
Offshore Oil & Gas Project, Australia (2015)
Led a team providing early strategic entitlement, quantum, planning and settlement advice to the project owner in connection with anticipated claims and disputes on a confidential multibillion dollar offshore LNG project in the Asia Pacific region.
Offshore Oil & Gas Project, Malaysia (2015)
Carried out an audit of and recommended actions to resolve subcontract accounts in connection with the installation of sub-sea pipelines for a wellhead platform project in the South China Sea.
Offshore Oil & Gas Project, Singapore (2014)
Provided claims support to a FPSO contractor/operator in relation to the construction of two FPSO vessels in a yard in Singapore. For one of the vessels the support provided was an independent assessment of a $150 million claim ahead of a bespoke dispute resolution process. For the second vessel, the support was in relation to identifying potential heads of claim and their quantum.
Offshore Oil & Gas Project, Malaysia (2014)
Provided strategic procurement advice to an oil and gas services company contemplating a series of small oil and gas production facilities in the South China Sea. The brief being to assist the client to select a low-risk fast track contracting route for an EPC contract combining target cost and GMP mechanisms.
Offshore Oil & Gas Project, West Africa (2008)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute between the owner and operator of an offshore drill ship and specialist equipment vendor over damages arising out of equipment failure.
Onshore Oil & Gas Project, Central Europe (2020)
Provided quantum support to the owner of a crude oil production expansion project in the form of a high-level assessment and review of project costs incurred/to be incurred by the contractor on a c.US$500 million contract as part of amicable settlement discussions. The assessment included reviewing project costs incurred up to the point of contract termination and assessing anticipated costs to complete relevant remaining works.
Onshore Oil & Gas Project, West Africa (2011)
Appointed as the quantum expert in a dispute to be heard in the TCC in London in connection with a US$300 million claim arising out of a termination on a gas process and on/offshore pipeline project in West Africa.
Onshore Oil & Gas Project, United Kingdom (2009)
Acted as the quantum expert on a dispute between an international pipeline subcontractor and the main contractor on a major LNG process installation in Europe. Value of claims in dispute in excess of £20 million.
Petroleum Refining, Trinidad (2010)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute over the evaluation of change orders between an international engineering contractor and the owner/operator in connection with an EPC contract for the upgrade of a major refining facility in Trinidad.
POWER & UTILITIES
IPP/IWPP Fossil (Coal-, Gas- and Oil-Fired), Middle East (2019)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute to be heard in Arbitration in Singapore between the consortia partners to an EPC contract in relation to a dispute over liability for damages and costs incurred on a IPP project in the Middle East.
IPP/IWPP Fossil (Coal-, Gas- and Oil-Fired), Indonesia (2014)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute heard in arbitration in Singapore between the owner and the contractor relating to the termination and retendering of an EPC contract for a power project in Indonesia.
IPP/IWPP Fossil (Coal-, Gas- and Oil-Fired), Singapore (2001)
Provided technical advice and support services to lawyers appointed by a Japanese engineering company in an arbitration on a combined cycle power project in Singapore.
IPP/IWPP Fossil (Coal-, Gas- and Oil-Fired), Indonesia (1999)
Advised Japanese turnkey contractor on claim for loss and expense and delay against owner on US$1.6 billion coal-fired power station in Java, Indonesia.
Nuclear Project, Korea (2018)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute to be heard in arbitration under ICC rules in Korea in respect of a US$50 million insurance claim arising out of damage incurred during the replacement of calandria tubes, pressure tubes and related components on an existing nuclear power plant.
Renewables (Bio, Geothermal, Solar, Tidal, Wind), Thailand (2021)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute heard in arbitration in Singapore between a power plant owner and the contractor in connection with a termination on a contract to refurbish/upgrade a waste to energy plant in Thailand. Disputes arose out of significant changes in the scope of work and defects.
Renewables (Bio, Geothermal, Solar, Tidal, Wind), Philippines (2015)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute heard in Arbitration in Singapore between a power plant owner and the contractor in connection with a termination on a contract to refurbish a geothermal power plant in South East Asia. Disputes arose out of significant changes in the scope of work and defects.
Hydroelectric Project, Indonesia (2016)
Provided strategic commercial and contractual advice to the appointed civils contractor on a $250 million hydro-electric project in Indonesia. The contractor was negotiating the cost and time implications of a delayed start and additional scope to the project with a view to the agreement of an appropriate contract amendment.
Hydroelectric Project, Nepal (2006)
Appointed as expert quantum adviser to provide initial appraisal of quantum claim status for a German international contractor on a tunnelling and river diversion project associated with a hydroelectric power scheme in Nepal.
Hydroelectric Project, Indonesia (2002)
Supported a site-based consultant, supervised and prepared an initial appraisal of claim status for an international contractor on a tunnelling and river diversion project associated with a hydroelectric power scheme in Indonesia.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Rail & Transit Project, Indonesia (2018)
Leading a team providing planning, quantum and dispute resolution advice to the appointed systems contractor on a $170 million plus metro project in SE Asia. The contractor is seeking support in preparing claims for extension of time and additional costs associated with delays on a number of fronts.
Rail & Transit Project, Indonesia (2017)
Leading a team providing planning, quantum, and dispute resolution advice to the appointed civils contractor on a $250 million plus elevated rail project in SE Asia. The contractor is seeking support in justifying claims for extension of time and additional costs associated with delays on a number of fronts for submission to an independent tribunal.
Rail & Transit Project, Vietnam (2017)
Leading a team providing planning, commercial and contractual advice to the appointed contractor on a $300 million plus underground metro project in SE Asia. The contractor was negotiating the cost and time implications of a delayed start to the project with a view to the agreement of an appropriate contract amendment.
Rail & Transit Project, Malaysia (2016)
Acting as an independent quantum expert providing advice, in advance of potential implementation of formal dispute resolution procedures. Advice being provided on the strengths and weaknesses and potential recovery of a USD multimillion claim on an infrastructure project in SE Asia. Peter's role is part of a strategic review team and involves working alongside other technical and legal experts.
Rail & Transit Project, RSA (2010)
Led a team providing initial independent strategic quantum and planning review and advice to the concessionaire ahead of a potential dispute on a $3.5 billion rail construction and concession project in South Africa.
Rail & Transit Project, United Arab Emirates (2009)
One of a team of four senior expert advisers who provided early strategic quantum advice ahead of potential arbitration proceedings in relation to multibillion dollar claims on a major transport infrastructure project in the Middle East.
Pipeline Project, Singapore (2013)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute between the insurer and a marine contractor over losses sustained arising out of incidents in connection with a subsea pipeline installation in SE Asia. The dispute to be heard by an arbitral tribunal in Singapore.
Pipeline Project, Australia (2013)
Acted as the quantum expert on a dispute to be heard in the Western Australia Supreme Court in connection with measurement and valuation issues on a 150 km pipeline project.
Pipeline Project, Azerbaijan (2007)
Provided quantum advice to a European international contractor in respect of claims for variations and loss and expense arising on an onshore oil and gas pipeline project in central Asia. Total value of claims under review in excess of $150 million.
Shipbuilding & Marine Project, Singapore (2014)
Appointed as quantum expert on a dispute heard in arbitration in Singapore in connection with the termination of a ship repair contract for work carried out in a repair yard in Thailand. Specific issues involved the calculation of hire charges and running costs of dredging vessels.
Ports & Maritime Project, Oman (2002)
Providing strategic advice and preparing claims for an international dredging and reclamation contractor for submission to the Engineer on a new port facility in Oman.
Ports & Maritime Project, Hong Kong (2001)
Provided strategic advice in connection with the preparation of claims arising out of variations to the specification on a dredging and reclamation project in Hong Kong. Responsible for managing site-based staff for the duration of the project.
Airport Project, Singapore (2001)
Preparation of a loss and expense and extension of time claim for a Japanese engineering company on an automated cargo handling facility for a major Asian airport.
Airport Project, Hong Kong (1999)
Senior member of a team providing advice to the airport authority of Hong Kong international on quantum of potential contractor claims and providing strategic advice on the dispute resolution process.
Roads & Highways, UK (1979)
Seconded into the Highways and Bridges Department of Surrey County Council. Tasks included measurement for Bills of Quantity preparation: new trunk roads and interchanges; widening of existing trunk roads and interchanges; pedestrian and road overbridges.
INDUSTRIAL
Chemical Project, India (2017)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute between the owner and EPC contractor in connection with a fertilizer plant in South Asia. The dispute is in respect of the valuation of claims for scope changes, damages arising out of delays to the construction works and other claims. Total value of claims is in excess of US$65 million.
Mining & Metals Project, Mongolia (2015)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute heard in Arbitration in London between a mine owner and the EPCM contractor in connection with a cost reimbursable contract for a mine project in North Asia. The dispute arose out of contract termination.
Mining & Metals Project, Guinea (2012)
Acting as a quantum expert advising the contractor on a dispute concerning entitlement to payment on a cost reimbursable contract for the enabling works, base camps and infrastructure works as part of a USD multi-billion mining project in West Africa. The dispute arose following termination of the contract and was decided by Expert Determination.
Mining & Metals Project, Indonesia (2010)
Appointed as a single DAB member on a $260 million contract for the design, supply and construction of a crushing and conveying system in connection with a mining operation in Indonesia.
Chemical Project, United Kingdom (2004)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute between an owner and an EPC contractor on a petrochemical process facility in UK. The dispute was in respect of a £17 million claim for additional works and prolongation costs and was resolved under ICC Arbitration heard in London.
Chemical Project, Qatar (2003)
Provided technical quantum and planning advice and support services to an international engineering contractor defending claims from a major subcontractor on a petrochemical project in Qatar.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Sewage Treatment Plant, Southern Europe (2022)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute heard in arbitration in London between a government department and the contractor. The dispute is in connection with the termination of the contract to construct significant improvements to an existing city sewage system and build a new sewage treatment plant. Specific disputes arose out of the valuation of work done, costs associated with delays to the works and the costs arising out of termination, including the rectification of defects.
Sewage Treatment Plant, Vietnam (2018)
Providing strategic cost and commercial advice to an international developer over payment terms and final payments in connection with a US$250 million sewage treatment plant in Hanoi.
Waste Project, Singapore (2015)
Providing high-level commercial advice to a contractor and supporting a site-based consultant on an energy from waste project in Singapore. Advice includes day to day commercial issues, preparation of independent assessment of extension of time and loss and expense claim to owner.
Water & Wastewater, Singapore (2001)
Preparation of extension of time and loss and expense claims on a $200 million sewage treatment plant for a Korean international contractor in Singapore.
BUILDINGS
Government Project, Vietnam (2010)
Acted as the quantum expert on a dispute arising out of the determination of a contract between a Japanese/European joint venture contractor and state sponsored client on a communication facility in Vietnam. The dispute was heard by a tribunal in Singapore under JCAA rules.
Government Project, Moscow (2005)
Providing high-level commercial advice to a Japanese contractor and supporting a site-based consultant on an Embassy project in Moscow. Advice includes day to day commercial issues, preparation of independent assessment of extension of time and loss and expense claims from subcontractors and providing technical support in mediation proceedings.
Government Project, Brunei (2002)
Acting as quantum expert on a dispute between main contractor and a nominated subcontractor over certification and defective works on a diplomatic facility in South East Asia.
Hotels & Resorts Project, Singapore (2020)
Provided strategic advice to an international contractor in connection with the preparation of claims arising out of Covid-19 related delays and variations on a new 20-storey hotel project in Singapore.
Hotels & Resorts Project, Macau (2019)
Appointed as the quantum expert on disputes arising out of the installation of the wet fire services between the main contractor and the specialist subcontractor on a 28-storey hotel and casino project. The arbitration was heard in Hong Kong under HKIAC rules.
Hotels & Resorts Project, United Kingdom (2007)
Supported the quantum expert on a dispute in respect of a £20 million claim and £10 million counterclaim on a spa and leisure complex in the south west of England.
Hotels & Resorts Project, Spain (2006)
Provided high-level contractual commercial advice to a leading sports and leisure client on a high-spec project in Spain where difficulties had arisen out of the insolvency of the main contractor.
Hotels & Resorts Project, Brunei (2001)
Providing advice to the Liquidator of an international developer based in Brunei in relation to various residential and leisure projects in Brunei and overseas. Advice provided on appraisal of company assets, recovery of debts, creditor claims, negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers and assessment of viability of completing ongoing projects.
Hotels & Resorts Project, United Kingdom (1998)
Supporting expert witness for client on a £5.5m claim against consultants over remedial works on 4 star hotel in northern England.
Sports & Leisure Project, United Kingdom (2007)
Supported the quantum expert and managing a team of 15 support staff in connection with a £200 million professional negligence claim against the designers on a national stadium project. Provided mediation and adjudication support services to the main contractor in respect of defence of subcontractor claims and counterclaims in relation to roofing and concrete issues on the a national stadium project.
Sports & Leisure Project, South Korea (2002)
Appointed as quantum expert on a dispute between a main contractor and a specialist roofing contractor on an Asian Games sports stadium in Korea under ICC Arbitration proceedings in Seoul.
Educational Institution, United Kingdom (1996)
Supporting expert witness in defending a £15m claim against a University for cost overruns due to co- ordination failures by its consultants.
Retail Project, United Kingdom (1996)
Advising a national UK retail client on a £12m claim received for loss and expense on a major retail development on South coast of England.
Retail Project, United Kingdom (1994)
Supported expert witness in defending a £20 million claim against a project manager and quantity surveyor in respect of cost overruns or an international exhibition centre.
Commercial Office Development, Canada (2020)
Provided high-level quantum-related advice to the respondents in connection with various heads of a US$45 million claim for alleged defects and building inadequacies in connection with the heating and ventilation systems and external cladding maintenance systems on a prestigious 58-storey office development. The dispute was heard in the Canadian courts and settled following mediation in 2021.
Residential Project, Borneo (Ongoing - Confidential)
Provided project management and quantum-related support in connection with a technical investigation into building defects on a residential development comprising more than 4,000 units. Support included the procurement and appointment of contractors to undertake destructive examination, geotechnical investigation and other damage assessment works, and quantum assessments of estimated remedial and rectification costs.
Industrial Building Project, Ghana (1997) Residential Project, United Kingdom (1995)
Acted as quantum expert on a dispute over a claim by contractor and a counterclaim by an employer on a residential development in the UK. Provided oral evidence subject to cross-examination in domestic UK Arbitration proceedings.
Industrial Building Project, Ghana (1997)
Appointed as the quantum expert on a dispute in the UK High Court over a claim against a supplier of aluminum roof sheeting, guttering, and fixings for a port development in Accra, Ghana.
Industrial Building Project, United Kingdom (1997)
Supported the quantum expert witness in a multi-party arbitration in connection with a dispute between the design-build contractor and specialist subcontractor regarding the costs and methods of remedying defects to a bulk storage facility and providing technical support in mediation proceedings.
Building Contractor Insolvency, Brunei (2001)
Provided advice to the liquidator of an international developer based in Brunei in relation to various residential and leisure projects in Brunei and overseas. Advice provided on appraisal of company assets, recovery of debts, creditor claims, negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers, and assessment of viability of completing ongoing projects.
Building Contractor Insolvency, United Kingdom (1994)
Provided advice to liquidator in a Members Voluntary Liquidation of a major U.S. owned high-quality fit out contractor based in London. Advice provided in respect of appraisal of company assets, recovery of debts, managing completion of ongoing projects, and monitoring and settling creditor claims.
Building Contractor Insolvency, United Kingdom (1993)
Provided advice to administrative receiver of a major UK groundwork subcontractor. Advice provided in respect of appraisal of company assets, recovery of debts, negotiating with main contractors, and preparation of claims and documents for arbitration proceedings.
Building Contractor Insolvency, United Kingdom (1992)
Provided advice to administrative receiver of a national UK general contractor and developer of multiple building projects. Advice provided in respect of appraisal of company assets and financial snapshots on over 450 projects, recovery of debts, sale and novation of contracts, negotiating with clients and subcontractors, preparing and managing recovery agent's agreements, and managing completion of ongoing projects.
Recent Presentations (past 10 years)
Atkinson, P. Defect Claims. ICAK Seminar on Construction Defects, Seoul, Korea, 14 November 2019.
Atkinson, P. Disruption and Acceleration. OCAJI International Construction Seminar, Jakarta, Indonesia, 19 April 2018.
Atkinson, P. Contracts Administration for Construction Projects: Preparation & Claims for Time & Cost. VECAS Seminar on Claims Management in the Construction Sector, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 19 March 2018.
Atkinson, P. FIDIC 2017 (Red Book) - A Brief Overview and Comparison with FIDIC 1999. IPBA Conference 2017 - International Construction Committee Session, Manila, Philippines, 16 March 2018.
Atkinson, P. Contracts Administration for Construction Projects: Preparation & Claims for Time & Cost. VECAS Seminar on Claims Management in the Construction Sector, Hanoi, Vietnam, 22 November 2017.
Atkinson, P. Disruption on Mega Construction Projects and Key Tips for Commercial Success. OCAJI Seminar, Tokyo, Japan, 8 June 2017.
Atkinson, P. Costing Delay. RICS - Construction Project Delay, Singapore, 27 April 2017.
Atkinson, P. Round Table Discussion on Typical Construction Issues in Common and Civil Law Jurisdictions. IBPA Conference International Construction Committee Session, Auckland International Conference Centre, Auckland, New Zealand, 8 April 2017.
Atkinson, P. LNG - Lessons Learnt. Joint Event with DNV-GL/HFW/Turner &Townsend, Singapore, 10 April 2014.
Atkinson, P. Time Management. Nohr-Con Conference on Future of Hospital Construction, Copenhagen, Denmark, 18 April 2012.
Atkinson, P. Sustainable Construction: Capital and Life Cycle Cost Implications. UKTI Green Building Mission to Korea, Seoul, Korea, 30 November 2010.
Partner, HKA (2017-2018) Singapore
Director, Hill International (2016-2017), Singapore
Director, Turner & Townsend (2013-2016), Singapore
Director, Driver Group (2010-2013)
Director, Navigant Consulting (2006-2010)
Partner, EC Harris (1989-2006)
Senior Surveyor, Tillyard & Partners Nigeria (1986-1989)
Senior Surveyor, BWS Middle East (1982-1984)