Horizontal Directional Drilling
& Direct Pipe® Solutions
The UK’s leading independent trenchless specialists
Horizontal Directional Drilling
As a specialist HDD contractor, we work on a variety of projects within numerous sectors including environmental and transport infrastructure. In particular we specialise in using HDD techniques to install landfall/shore approaches for clients in the offshore sector, for renewables, water and carbon capture.
Benefits of HDD
Horizontal Directional Drilling, provides a safe installation system for pipes, ducts and cables where conventional open cut methods are not permitted, practical or viable. The process causes very little disruption to infrastructure and has minimum impact on the environment.
- Minimal surface and environmental disruption.
- Safe installation beneath roads, rivers, bodies of water and railways.
- Ideal where open-cut methods aren’t practical or permitted.
- Faster, cleaner, and more efficient than traditional excavation.
- Reduces reinstatement costs and overall project impact.
“ Simply put, we take away the hassle and worry on large scale projects. Our experts are your experts before during and after every job. ”
Environmentally Friendly
Faster than traditional methods
minimal disruption
Applications
Pipeline Installations
- Oil & gas transmission pipelines
- Water mains and distribution lines
- Sewer and wastewater pipelines
- District heating and cooling systems
- CO₂ and hydrogen pipelines
Horizontal Directional Drilling provides a safe, efficient, and environmentally sensitive method for installing critical pipelines beneath challenging terrain. From oil and gas transmission lines to water, wastewater, district heating, CO₂ and hydrogen networks, HDD enables long-distance installations with minimal surface disruption and complete control.
Utility Installations
- Power and electrical cables (including HV)
- Telecoms and fibre optic cables
- Renewable energy connections (wind, solar, battery storage)
HDD is ideally suited for installing power, telecoms, and renewable energy connections where precision, safety, and continuity are essential. Whether delivering high-voltage cables, fibre networks, or green energy infrastructure, Stockton ensures every route is completed quickly and cleanly with minimal impact on existing services.
Transport & Infrastructure Crossings
- Railway and tramway crossings
- Motorway, road and runway crossings
- Airport infrastructure installations
HDD allows essential services to pass beneath roads, railways, runways, and other critical transport infrastructure without disrupting operations or requiring lengthy closures. Stockton's drilling expertise ensures that these crossings are completed safely, on schedule, and with zero interruption to the travelling public.
Environmental & Sensitive Areas
- River and estuary crossings
- Wetlands, floodplains and protected habitats
- Coastal and seabed installations
For projects in rivers, wetlands, floodplains, or coastal environments, HDD offers a proven low-impact solution. By drilling beneath sensitive habitats and waterways, Stockton minimises environmental disturbance while achieving the accuracy and containment these projects demand.
Urban & Built Environments
- City centre utility corridors
- Industrial and commercial developments
- Residential service connections
In congested city centres, industrial estates, and residential areas, HDD enables new infrastructure to be installed without disrupting surface activity. Our precision-controlled methods keep traffic flowing, businesses operating, and communities connected while delivering robust, long-term underground solutions.
How Horizontal Directional Drilling Works
Ideal for crossings beneath rivers, roads, railways, and sensitive environments, providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally considerate solution where traditional methods aren’t viable HDD is a trenchless installation technique that enables pipelines, ducts, and cables to be installed underground without the need for open-cut excavation.
Pilot Hole Drilling
The process begins with the creation of a small-diameter pilot hole along a pre-determined route from the entry to the exit point. Using advanced guidance and steering technology, the drill head follows a precise path that maintains the required line, level, and depth, avoiding existing utilities and obstacles.
HDD In Action
Overcoming Flood Risks To Deliver a Trenchless Crossing at Westmoor Resevoir
