In 1941, KONGO MARUs was requisitioned from the Kokusai Line by the IJN and converted to an armed merchant cruiser. After participating in the capture of Wake Island, KONGO MARU was sunk in Mar '42 by USN carrier aircraft during the Japanese invasion of Lae and Salamuana, New Guinea.

Builder and Year Completed:	Harima SB, Aioi 1935
Displacement:	8,624-tons
Dimensions:	Length 450', beam 61'-, draft 27'-8"
Propulsion:	Kawasaki M.A.N-type diesel, 1 shaft, 7,600 s.h.p, 18 knots.
Armament:	4 x 140mm (5.5-inch), light AA.