(CLEARTON as seen postwar, built as EMPIRE HAVEN, the same builders and base design as KEMBU MARU. While the hull shape is similar the upperworks would likely have been changed. The funnel would have been smaller and derrick arrangements may be different - Peter Cundall Collection)
KEMBU MARU was laid down and named EMPIRE BLOSSOM for the British Ministry of War Transport. Captured on stocks in Dec ‘41 by the Japanese, she was completed in Feb ’43 and renamed KEMBU MARU. Registered in the IJN in Mar ’43 as an auxiliary transport. Bombed and sunk at Kwajalein Atoll by USN aircraft in Dec ’43.
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| Builder and Year Completed: |
Hong Kong. Taikoo Dockyard & Engineering Co. Ltd. later Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding K.K.
1943
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| Gross tonnage: |
6,816-tons. |
| Dimensions: |
450.1' (Loa) x 56.8' x ?' |
| Propulsion: |
One triple expansion steam engine, one shaft, power unknown. |
| Speed: |
Cruising: unknown – Max: unknown. |
| Armament: |
One 10cm deck gun and possibly others.
As transport: unknown.
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