As the anode materials used are generally more costly than iron, using this method to protect ferrous metal structures may not appear to be particularly cost effective. However, consideration should also be given to the costs incurred to repair a corroded hull or to replace a steel pipeline or tank because their structural integrity has been compromised by corrosion.
However, there is a limit to the cost effectiveness of a galvanic system. On larger structures, such as long pipelines, so many anodes may be needed that it would be more cost-effective to install impressed current cathodic protection.