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Size DOES matter: Rated at 6,800 m3/hr. Installed Venturi In- jectors (VI?s) from N.E.I. Treatment Systems create a mixture of oxygen stripping inert gas and water, upon ballast water intake. The VI does not negatively impact the ves-sels? ballasting rates, making this an at-tractive option for those vessels requiring higher rates and capacities.WATER MANAGEMENT the best candidates for UV systems that rely upon penetrating the dissolved solids inherent in such ballast. A technical paper available on the U.S. EPA?s website reports, ?The transmis- sivity of the water being treated is another critical variable affecting the effectiveness of UV systems. Without accessory  ltration, or other separation of solids, UV will not likely be as effective as necessary.? Ballast CapacityAn initial problem in the BWT game was the lack of systems that could adequately move ballast fast enough to keep up with commercial considerations, charter parties and in gen-eral, operational readiness. Systems do exist today that can meet even the largest vessel?s needs, and some are scalable depending on the size of the vessel itself. Some are not. And, some might increase the cubic footprint of the system signi -cantly, when they do. Is the doubling of capacity creating a system that is twice as big?A Complicated EquationThe process of assessing the considerable list of BWT alterna-tives is no simple task. Based largely on regulatory and third party reporting, we?ve listed 14 metrics to consider. Chances are; you?ve got more. This is a good place to start. And yes, it is time to get started. More troubling than the possibility of making the wrong decision with regard to your BWT system should be the coming crush of shipowners all trying to get systems installed at the same time. Depending on who you talk to, that global manufacturing capacity may or may not be there. What then? The Coast Guard BWT standard is here and the rati cation of a similar, more mature IMO benchmark is just around the cor- ner. It?s  nally time to go shopping. When you do, make sure you?ve done your homework. There may be no ?Silver Bullet? but amongst the pack of 63+ (and counting) technologies on the market, there is a certain solution for you and your  eet. Finding it is another thing altogether. (Continued from page 37) www.maritimeprofessional.com | Maritime Professional | 63