ZATSUYOSEN!

SHOKO MARU Class Auxiliary Transport

(SHOKO MARU prewar)

This class consists of SHOKO, SEIKO AND HOKKO MARUs, all completed in 1940 for Dairen Kisen K.K. All were requisitioned by the IJN, SHOKO MARU being converted to an auxiliary transport and the other two as general requisitioned transports. All were sunk by aircraft or submarines between May ’43 and Feb ‘44.

Builder and Year Completed: Aioi. Harima Steel K.K. shipyard 1940
Gross tonnage: 5,385-tons
Dimensions: 398.6' x 53.1' x 29.9'
Propulsion: 1 Steam Turbine, 1 shaft, 1,800 bhp.
Speed: 12 cruising, 14 max.
Armament: Unknown.