ZATSUYOSEN!

FUKKEN MARU - Class Auxiliary Transport


(BUSHO MARU, a member of the FUKKEN MARU class, prewar)

This class consists of FUKKEN (FUKUKEN), BUSHO, KISHU, KANAN, SEIKYO and CHOSA MARUs, completed between Oct ‘20 and Aug ‘21 for different shipping companies. FUKKEN MARU remained under civilian control. KISHU, KANAN and SEIKYO MARUs were requisitioned by the IJA and served as Army transports; BUSHO and CHOSA MARUs were requisitioned by the IJN and converted to auxiliary gunboats. BUSHO MARU was re-rated as an auxiliary transport in Oct ’43. All were bombed, mined or torpedoed and sunk between May ‘42 and Mar ’45.

Builder and Year Completed: Sakurajima. Osaka Iron Works K.K.
1920-1921
Gross tonnage: From 2,538-tons to 2,567-tons.
Dimensions: 284.4' (Lpp) x 42.7' x 23.0'
Propulsion: One reciprocating triple expansion steam engine, one shaft, 1,600 b.h.p.
Speed: Cruising: 10 knots – Max: 13 knots.
Armament: Unknown