Application of impressed current cathodic protection on chain structure: An experimental study combined with COMSOL simulation

•The feasibility of applying ICCP to chain structure was studied.•The conductivity was the key factor restricting the successful application of ICCP on the chain structure.•The 90-day corrosion rate of the ICCP-protected conductivity-improved chain reduced by 94.8%.•The quantitative formula of the relationship between the critical conductivity required for ICCP and the chain diameter was determined.