The new drilling rig, a Rotomax XL-GTCi, is the first of its kind in the UK. Though comparatively small, the new rig is able to handle 20t of mast pullbacks, increasing to an additional 25 when using the breakout clamps.

The new Rotomax also enables Dragon Drilling's team to simultaneously drill to a depth of 340m while installing a steel casing to prevent the borehole from collapsing while in unstable ground. With the added stability and the added power of this new equipment, Dragon Drilling will be able to work more productively without compromising on safety.

This new rig is the most powerful in the country and will enable the Dragon Drilling team to provide an even better service to its customers.

With the new Rotomax rig, Dragon Drilling's fleet is expanded to 13; and it is awaiting delivery of four further rigs that will increase its capabilities even further.

The Dragon Drilling team is excited to be the first UK company to form a relationship with Geotec and to benefit from their expertise. Dragon Drilling finance director, Andrea Ellison, said: "Our objective is to maintain our position as one of the leading environmental drilling companies in the UK, committed to the expansion of the renewable energy sector as we head towards the Government's carbon neutrality targets. The financial investment in the new drilling rig is considerable and this is the first of five rigs that we have ordered."

Already, the schedule for the new drilling rig is filled until June and has made it possible for the company to hire three additional members of full-time staff.