ZATSUYOSEN!

SHOUN MARU Class Auxiliary Transport

(SHOUN MARU 23 Jun ‘44)

This class consists of SHOUN and SHOYU MARUs, respectively completed in Jun ‘41 and Dec ’42 for Matsuoka Kisen K.K, the latter being converted to a tanker before completion. Both were requisitioned by the IJN, SHOUN MARU being converted to an auxiliary transport and SHOYU MARU serving as a general requisitioned tanker. Both were sunk between Jun ’44 and Feb ’45 by USN aircraft and US submarine.

Builder and Year Completed: Tama. Mitsui Bussan K.K. Zosensho shipyard 1941 and 1942
Gross tonnage: 4,396-tons and 4,408-tons
Dimensions: 371.1' x 51.8' x 29.5'
Propulsion: 1 triple expansion steam engine, 1 shaft, ? bhp.
Speed: E 12 knots.
Armament: SHOUN MARU: one 7.7 MG, five Arisaka rifles.