Game-changing sea chest system: Euro Marine Group awarded U.S. patent
by Lazzara Yachts 24 Apr 23:14 AEST
Euro Marine Group awarded U.S. patent for a game-changing sea chest system © Lazzara Yachts
Euro Marine Group Ltd. (parent company of Lazzara Yachts) has secured a U.S. patent (No. 12,240,564 B2) for a deceptively simple, yet radically game-changing invention: integrated sea chests and a discharge system that may quietly redefine how seawater is managed aboard modern yachts.
Invented by our President and CEO, George Chirakadze, the patented system consolidates seawater intake and discharge into a single structural unit embedded directly into the vessel's hull, effectively removing the web of traditional through-hull fittings that have riddled yacht hulls for decades. The result? Enhanced safety, easier servicing, and a significant improvement in efficiency—both operational and hydrodynamic.
If you have seen any of Lazzara Yachts' latest builds and projects—the Lazzara UHV 100, Lazzara LPC 300, or the flagship Lazzara UHV 150—you have already seen this future quietly at work. The patented technology has been in real-world use since 2022, integrated into every inch of Lazzara's revolutionary hull architecture. "It's not just a matter of clever plumbing," says Chirakadze. "This is a rethinking of what belongs inside the hull—and what doesn't."
An invisible breakthrough: the hidden genius behind the hull
At a glance, the innovation appears almost modest. The system eliminates dozens of separate hull penetrations, replacing them with sea chests and discharge boxes that are part of the hull itself. No corrosion. No metal fatigue. And critically—no through-hulls to leak, disrupt flow, or compromise aesthetics.
The deeper shift lies in how this reshapes yacht maintenance. Each sea chest features a removable, threaded standpipe, allowing engineers to service components while the vessel remains afloat. It's a detail that may seem small—until you consider the implications: no more urgent haul-outs. No more costly downtime. And for a sector where every hour off charter matters, that's not a footnote. That's a headline.
This unique design, used on Lazzara Yachts since 2022, streamlines servicing, simplifies systems integration, and improves crew access, all while enhancing the aesthetics of the yacht's silhouette. Just as importantly, it offers something increasingly rare in this business: peace of mind.
From seawater management to sustainable engineering
The patent also arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. As global regulators crack down on biofouling and invasive species transfer, the system's integrated UV water treatment chamber brings not only innovation, but compliance. Incoming seawater is sterilized on entry, minimizing marine growth and making a clear statement: even the unseen systems of tomorrow's yacht must tread lightly on the ocean.
Much like methanol fuel cells or hydrogen bunkering, this innovation reflects a deeper shift in mindset—toward systems that are modular, maintainable, and measurably sustainable. "This isn't about flashy technology," says Chirakadze. "It's about solving unglamorous problems in a beautiful way."
Already proven at sea
While other marine technologies remain in test labs or await regulatory clarity, this one is already proven. Lazzara Yachts has embraced the system as a cornerstone of its new build philosophy. Each sea chest and discharge system is custom-fabricated from composite, embedded within the hull at the earliest stage of construction, and tailored to the yacht's specific layout.
The benefits are multi layered:
- For superyachts: Fewer failure points, cleaner hulls, fewer visible fittings, and maintenance access from within the engine room.
- For commercial shipping: Fewer failure points, reduced downtime, and faster servicing intervals.
- For naval vessels: Increased survivability through structural simplification and redundancy. It's the kind of "invisible innovation" that defines the best of marine engineering—felt in performance, not seen in profile.
A quiet revolution, a lasting legacy
Filed in April 2022 and granted in March 2025, U.S. Patent No. 12,240,564 B2 represents more than a clever fix. It's a symbol of what happens when traditional marine architecture is questioned at the root—and reimagined for the next generation.
As yachting enters an age of zero-emissions ambition and net-positive narratives, Euro Marine Group's sea chest system offers something refreshingly real: a proven, available, and scalable innovation that makes every yacht more reliable, efficient, more serviceable, and more sustainable—without asking owners to compromise on performance or beauty.
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs are the ones you never see!