How to Prevent Hot-Dip Galvanized Anchor Chain from Rusting Quickly? (ShakeSure Professional Insight)

1.Why Do High-Quality Anchor Chains Rust Within a Year?

Hot-dip galvanized anchor chain is a critical component for vessel safety. Its principle relies on forming a sacrificial anode protective layer (zinc) on the steel surface to effectively resist saltwater corrosion.

However, many shipowners find that the galvanized anchor chain begins to show large areas of rust within just a few months or a year of use, with the protection period falling far short of expectations.

Is this due to poor quality chain, or improper maintenance methods? This article will thoroughly analyze the four core reasons for rapid anchor chain rusting and provide a systematic, effective prevention and maintenance strategy from ShakeSure to maximize your anchor chain's lifespan.

2. Deep Dive: The Four Main Culprits of Rapid Hot-Dip Galvanized Anchor Chain Rusting

Understanding the causes of rusting is the first step toward prevention. Rusting is not caused by a single factor, but rather a combination of environmental and usage factors:

2.1 Mechanical Abrasion: The "Invisible Killer" of the Galvanized Layer

⚓️ Reason: During anchoring and weighing anchor, the chain undergoes intense friction with rocks, sand, and mud on the seabed. This mechanical dragging accelerates the wear of the uniform galvanized layer. Once the zinc layer is locally breached, the underlying steel base metal is directly exposed to highly corrosive seawater, and rust spreads rapidly.

2.2 Galvanic Corrosion: The "Internal Conflict" Among Metals

⚓️ Reason: When anchor chain connecting components (such as shackles or swivel joints made of different materials) come into direct contact with the hot-dip galvanized chain body, a difference in electrical potential can create an electrochemical reaction. This causes the metal with the lower potential (usually the zinc layer) to corrode faster—known as galvanic corrosion. Local corrosion rates can be much faster than uniform corrosion.

2.3 Marine Environmental Erosion: The Siege of High Salt and High Humidity

⚓️ Reason: The high salinity (chloride ions) and high humidity of seawater are natural corrosives. Furthermore, marine organisms such as barnacles and algae (Biofouling) can create differential aeration cells on the galvanized surface, accelerating corrosion and deterioration at localized points.

2.4 Insufficient Galvanization Thickness or Improper Passivation (Key Quality Factors)

⚓️ Reason: The quality of galvanized anchor chains in the market varies widely. If the zinc coating thickness does not meet the required standard, or if the product lacks proper passivation treatment (used to delay the initial corrosion of the zinc layer) upon leaving the factory, the chain's corrosion resistance will be significantly compromised, leading to an extremely short protection period.

3. How to Effectively Extend Anchor Chain Lifespan? ShakeSure’s Systematic Prevention Measures

From purchasing and use to storage, the meticulous management of every step is crucial to preventing the anchor chain from rusting quickly.

3.1 Procurement Stage: Controlling Quality at the Source (ShakeSure Advantage)

 Ensure Zinc Coating Thickness:

i.           ShakeSure's high-quality anchor chains are guaranteed to meet or exceed a zinc coating thickness of 85 microns. 

At ShakeSure, all hot-dipped galvanized anchor chain meet or exceed a zinc coating thickness of 85 microns. 

This standard is significantly higher than many conventional products, providing the anchor chain with longer-lasting "sacrificial protection."

ii.           Request Zinc Coating Test Photos from Supplier:

ShakeSure provides customers with detailed zinc coating thickness test photos, visually demonstrating the actual measured data of the galvanized layer on the chain surface. This proves that the product quality meets the 85-micron standard. During procurement, it is essential that you request and verify these photos.

iii.           Recommended Post-Receipt Measurement:

We strongly recommend that customers use a professional coating thickness gauge for spot checks upon receiving the anchor chain. This is the most direct and effective way to verify product quality and ensure long-term anti-rust performance.

3.2 In-Use Protection: Maintaining the Integrity of the Galvanized Layer

Step	Specific Operation	Purpose
Regular Rinsing	The anchor chain should be immediately rinsed with fresh water or clean port water after every retrieval.	To remove adhering mud, chloride ions (salt), and marine organisms, preventing them from damaging the galvanized layer.
Apply Protectants	Regularly apply professional anchor chain anti-rust oil or wax, especially to the sections frequently exposed at the bow and the chain locker.	To form a physical barrier, further isolating the chain from seawater and air.
Isolate Connectors	Ensure that connecting components like shackles and swivels are compatible with the chain's material, or implement necessary insulation/isolation measures at the connection points.	To avoid the acceleration of zinc layer consumption due to galvanic corrosion between different metals.

3.3 Storage and Maintenance: Giving the Anchor Chain a Proper Rest

The anchor chain’s storage environment is vital to its longevity, particularly the management of the chain locker.

1. Keep the Chain Locker Dry: There must be no standing water in the chain locker, as a humid environment accelerates chain corrosion.

2. Ensure Good Ventilation: The chain locker should be equipped with an effective ventilation system to remove moisture and water vapor, maintaining a dry condition.

3. Install Drainage Holes: The bottom of the chain locker must have unobstructed drainage holes to ensure that any ingress water is rapidly discharged, preventing soaking.

4. Regular Rotation and Inspection: Periodically inspect chains that are not in continuous use, and consider rotating sections of the chain to balance wear and corrosion levels across the entire length.

4. Conclusion: Consistent Maintenance is the Ultimate Answer to Rust Prevention

The anti-rust capability of the hot-dip galvanized anchor chain is fundamental, but consistent and standardized maintenance is the ultimate key to extending its service life.

ShakeSure is committed to providing you with high-quality anchor chain products with a zinc coating thickness of up to 85 microns, backed by zinc layer test photos as quality assurance. Concurrently, we recommend that you strictly adhere to the three core principles: "Measure Thickness Upon Receipt, Rinse with Fresh Water During Use, and Keep the Chain Locker Dry and Ventilated" to maximize the protective potential of the hot-dip galvanized anchor chain and achieve genuinely long-term, efficient rust prevention.