Gallery: Popcorn 'acts as oil' in emergency exercise

Dong Energy used 30 cubic metres of popcorn in an emergency exercise at Borkum Riffgrund 1
Popcorn behaves in a similar way to oil on water. As part of the emergency exercise, different methods to catch the popcorn were used
Ten specialised ships, one helicopter and two observation planes were part of the emergency exercise
The specialised ships with 'sweeping arms' as well as oil-booms were field-tested
Popcorn is also very environmental-friendly, because if any is left over, sea gulls and fish can pick it up and eat it
German maritime police were also involved in the exercise
The emergency exercise was conducted by the German Havariekommando (Central Command for Maritime Exercises)
Havariekommando does not have much experience in offshore wind farms

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The emergency exercise was carried out in partnership between Dong and the German central command for maritime emergencies (Havariekommando).

Turbines and the foundations also cause a change to currents and allow less space to navigate, so Havariekommando took the opportunity to practice at the project site in case of an emergency.

Havariekommando has had little experience operating in and around offshore wind projects as they are a relatively new addition to German waters. The first German offshore project was the 60MW Alpha Ventus project completed in 2009.

Ten specialised ships, one helicopter, two observation planes and 30 cubic metres of popcorn were used in the emergency exercise.

Popcorn is also environmental-friendly, because sea gulls and fish can pick up and eat any leftovers.

As part of the emergency exercise, the Havariekommando practised different methods to catch the popcorn. Specialised ships with "sweeping arms" as well as oil-booms, which provide a barrier, were field-tested.

Borkum Riffgrund 1 was officially commissioned in early October. It uses 78 Siemens 4MW offshore turbines. Dong Energy remains a majority shareholder but sold a 32% stake to the Lego Group (Kirkbi A/S) and 18% to investment firm William Demant in 2012.