Erik Geerling holds a market-leading position for ship finance deals, including leasing, restructuring and mortgage transactions, as well as notarial work. A former chair of NautaDutilh, Erik heads the Project Finance Group (a group of lawyers specialised in Energy & Utilities and PFI projects) and the Ship Finance Group (a group of lawyers and paralegals specialised in international ship finance and the sale and leasing of new construction vessels), which expertise also includes full notarial services. He assisted NIBC Bank with the EUR 9 million refinancing and security package for four dry cargo ships.

Erik acts mainly on behalf of lenders, but also has a long and broad experience in acting for sponsors and owners. His clients, both domestic and international, include ABN AMRO, BAM Group, Boskalis, Dredging International, DVB Bank, Feyenoord, HSH Nordbank, ING Bank, Jumbo Maritime, Maersk, MPC Group, NIBC, Nordea Bank, Rabobank, Seatrade Group, SMT, Spliethoff and Anthony Veder Group.

Erik is leading lawyer for both his ship finance and project finance skills. According to Chambers & Partners "clients report that his knowledge and work ethics are impeccable, whilst his willingness to assist at all times is very much appreciated by us and that he is very solution-driven". The Legal 500 mentions that according to clients, Erik is a very experienced lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the transport sector and the institutions that finance it. In 2021, Erik was also ranked as 'Highly Regarded' by the IFLR1000 in the field of PPP/PPI, project finance.

Chambers Europe says about the Ship Finance Group that " the team's speedy service attracts strong praise from clients, who attest: 'They are very knowledgeable, quick and sharp in their responses. They work efficiently and are very much aware of customers' needs, in terms of quality and timing.' Another interviewee appreciates the "hands-on" nature of the department, describing it as a "no-nonsense team with a get-the-deal-done mentality."

Erik graduated from the University of Groningen in 1988, joined NautaDutilh in the same year and became partner in 1996. He joined the firm's board in 2010 and served as chair from 2014 until 2017.