A Lloyd’s of London syndicate has lost a key appeal arising from the Exxon Valdez tanker spill more than 15 years ago.

Three London appeal court judges have ruled against David King’s syndicate 745, which has fought a long and costly retrocessional dispute against the run-off company, Brandywine Reinsurance.

In a 25,000 word ruling the appeal judges refused to overturn a May 2004 judgment by Justice Colman relating to excess of loss claims arising from the Prince William Sound spill.

The litigation is proving more persistent that the crude cargo of the Exxon Valdez.