ZATSUYOSEN!

GENKAI MARU-Class Auxiliary Transports

(GENKAI MARU prewar)

This class consisted of three ships: GENKAI and CHOKO MARUs and EIKO MARU No. 2 GO, completed in 1939-40. GENKAI MARU was requisitioned by the IJA as an Army transport (Army number No. 962). The two others were requisitioned in 1941 by the IJN and converted to auxiliary transports. They were bombed or shelled, and sunk by American aircraft or warship between ‘Dec ‘43 and ‘Sep ‘44.

Builder and Years Completed: Tama Zosensho K.K. Shipyard
1939-1940
Gross tonnage: 3,515 to 3,850-tons
Dimensions: 340.2' x 48.2' x 26.2'
Propulsion: 1 Triple Expansion Steam Engine with exhaust turbine, 1 shaft, 1,900 bhp
Speed: 12.0 knots cruising, 14.5 knots max.
Armament: Various