ZATSUYOSEN!

CHOWA MARU-Class Auxiliary Transport

(CHOWA MARU, prewar)

This class consists of CHOWA, CHUWA, NICHIRYO, TOKO, NITTEI, NIKKOKU and NICHIUN MARUs. They were completed between Feb ’40 and Sep ’41 for various shipping companies. All were requisitioned, NICHIUN and TOKO MARUs by the IJA, the others by the IJN. CHOWA, NITTEI, NIKKOKU and CHUWA MARUs were converted to auxiliary transports, NICHIRYO MARU served as a general requisitioned transport and NITTEI MARU also served as a collier. All were sunk between Dec ’41 and May ’45, NIKKOKU and NITTEI ran aground, the others were torpedoed by US submarines.

Builder and Year Completed: Sakurajima or Innoshima. Osaka Iron Works K.K. shipyard. Osaka Iron Works
Gross tonnage: 2,719 to 2,748-tons-tons
Dimensions: 307.7' (LPP) x 44.9' x 24.9'
Propulsion: One triple expansion reciprocating engine, 1 shaft, 1,200 n.h.p.
Speed: 12 knots cruising, 14 knots max.
Armament: Various depending usage.