ZATSUYOSEN!

ASAHISAN MARU-Class Auxiliary Transport

(ASAHISAN MARU, prewar)

This class consists of ASAHISAN and AKASHISAN MARUs completed in ‘35 for Mitsui Bussan K.K. Both ships were requisitioned in ’41 by the IJN and converted to auxiliary transports. AKASHISAN MARU was torpedoed and sunk by an American submarine off Uruppu Island, Kuriles in Mar ’44. ASAHISAN MARU was bombed by American aircraft and sunk at Kau, Halmahera Island, Moluccas, in Jul ’44.

Builder and Year Completed: Tama. Mitsui Bussan K.K. Zosembu Kojo shipyard
1935
Gross tonnage: 4,541 to 4,550-tons
Dimensions: 362.2' x 49.9' x 28.9'
Propulsion: 1 Mitsubishi diesel engine, 1 shaft, 3,000 n.h.p.
Speed: 13 knots cruising, 15.5 knots max.
Armament: Unknown.