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During deballasting, a neutralization chemical (e.g., sodiumbisulfite) is added to the water to remove the oxidant residualas it is pumped overboard. Note that this type of system cannotbe used in freshwater areas such as the Great Lakes because itrequires salinity for hypochlorite production.Complying with the New RegulationsThe new BWM regulation will increase costs for ship owners/operatorsto evaluate, install, operate (including additionalrecord-keeping) and maintain BWT systems with regulatorycompliance dates, starting now for new build vessels and atthe next scheduled dry-dock for many existing vessels. Theymust therefore quickly become familiar with the new requirements,risks of non-compliance, and necessary steps to bringindividual ships or fleets into regulatory compliance.For owners/operators of seagoing commercial vessels,most important will be to select an appropriate type-approvedBWT system that is compatible with the ship’s existing ballastwater system and can be operated to ensure compliancesafely by the crew. Key design considerations for BWT systemselection include:• Ballast pump capacities and operating pressures• Ballast tankage volume (if required for disinfectioncontact time)• Available space for the BWT equipment• Uptake and discharge piping arrangements• Chemical storage location (if required)• Discharge sample location (for USCG inspection use)• Ship routes (and associated ballast water quality conditions)• Integration of the BWT system controls into the ship’sballast control system• Training requirements for crew members.BWT system selection is made more complicated in thatthe USCG has not type approved or certified any systems yet,although it plans to over the next year or two. In the meantime,AMS-accepted systems must be used with only a fiveyearregulatory compliance horizon, with no certainty thatthey will ultimately be approved by the USCG for long-termcompliance with the BWM regulation.Given the complexity and uncertainties of the BWM regulatoryrequirements, tight implementation schedule, system installationchallenges, and the myriad of BWT systems on themarket, many ship owners are hiring a qualified engineeringfirm to assist in selection of the most appropriate BWT systemand work with the selected equipment supplier to design andinstall the BWT system on a particular ship or fleet. The planning,engineering and installation of the BWT system needsto be carefully coordinated with the vessel drydock projects.