ZATSUYOSEN!

SHOAN MARU-Class Auxiliary Transport

(SHOAN MARU prewar)

This class consists of SHOAN, SHOEI (‘41 MATSUE) and MEIYO MARUs, completed between ‘37 and ‘40 for various shipping companies. All were requisitioned by the IJN in ’41, SHOEI MARU as an auxiliary repair ship, the two others as auxiliary transports. SHOEI and MEIYO MARUs were torpedoed and sunk by US submarines, the former off New Ireland in May ’42, the latter off New Britain in Aug ’42. SHOAN MARU was bombed and sunk by US aircraft at Saipan, in Feb ’44.

Builder and Years Completed: Tama. Tama K.K. Zosensho shipyard
1937-1940
Gross tonnage: 5,624-5,644-tons
Dimensions: 409.4' x 55.1' x 30.8'
Propulsion: 1 reciprocating triple expansion steam engine with exhaust turbine, 1 shaft, 2,300 nhp
Speed: 12 knots cruising, 15 knots max.
Armament: Various depending of use.