Choosing the Right Cathodic Protection for Your Vessel: A Critical Decision

Ship cathodic protection is a crucial investment for ensuring hull safety and reducing long-term operational costs. Faced with the choice between two mainstream technologies—the Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system and the traditional sacrificial anode (zinc block) method—how do you decide? The detailed comparison across the following 10 aspects will provide you with a clear basis for your decision.

ICCP

1. Foreign currency power supply is required

2. The additional weight is very low

3. Large protection scope

4. Mixed precious metal oxide coated titanium anode, service life of 15 years

5. Easy maintenance, 4~5 years for normal equipment inspection once

6. The overall use cost of one installation is low

7. The output current can be adjusted automatically according to the change of the environment, so that the equipment is always in the best protection state

8. The equipment can automatically monitor and master the corrosion of pile foundation steel structure in real time

9. With remote monitoring function (optional)

10. No pollution to the Marine environment

Sacrificial Anode (zinc block)

1. No external power supply is required

2. Add tons or more to the hull

3. Limited protection range due to metal characteristics

4. Zinc block will be passivation and quality purity affect the protection effect, zinc block life is limited, generally 2~3 years to consume

5. Maintenance requires manual on-site work, and replacement or replenishment requires docking or divers to perform underwater welding

6. It needs to be replaced after 2-3 years, which will cost more

7. Can't adjust automatically

8. Regular manual inspection is required to master the corrosion condition

9. Zinc blocks are naturally consumed and cannot be monitored

10. Release a large amount of Zn and Al ions in seawater during the use of the equipment, damaging the ecosystem

Conclusion & Recommendation: Which Solution Is Right for You?

Based on the above comparison, we can draw a clear conclusion:

Choose ICCP for Large Vessels, Newly Built Ships, or Long-Term Fleets:

If you aim for the lowest long-term total cost, minimal maintenance intervention, automated protection performance, and environmental compliance, ICCP is undoubtedly the optimal choice. Its higher initial investment will be recovered within 2-3 zinc anode replacement cycles and continue to deliver benefits thereafter.

Scenarios Where Sacrificial Anodes (Zinc Blocks) May Be Applicable:

Primarily suited for small vessels, temporary protection, or as a localized supplement to ICCP systems. Their advantage of not requiring an external power source remains valuable in certain straightforward scenarios.

Hisea's Recommendation:

For the majority of commercial vessels, especially tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and cruise ships, the ICCP system offers significant advantages in both technological advancement and cost-effectiveness.