ARIMASAN MARU-Class IJA Transport

(ARIMASAN MARU in Panama Canal, prewar)

This three-ship class consisted of ARIMASAN, ASAKASAN and ATSUTASAN MARUs, all completed in 1937 for Mitsui Bussan K.K. In 1941, all were requisitioned by the Imperial Army. ARIMASAN and ASAKASAN MARUs served as transports and ATSUTASAN MARU as an Air Defense Ship (Boku-Kikansen). ASAKASAN MARU was bombed and sunk by American aircraft in Feb ‘43 and ATSUTASAN MARU was torpedoed and sunk by American submarine in Dec ‘41. ARIMASAN MARU survived the war and was finally scrapped in 1970.

Builder and Year Completed:	Tama Zosensho K.K. Shipyard 1937
Gross tonnage:	8,663 to 8,706-tons.
Dimensions:	455.1' x 62.0' x 39.4'
Propulsion:	1 Mitsui B & W 2DA type Diesel engine, 1 shaft, 7,600 bhp.
Speed:	16 knots cruising, 19 knots maximum
Armament:	Various depending on use.