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SHOEI MARU-Class Auxiliary Transport


(SHOEI MARU prewar)

This class consists of SHOEI, SHOHO, TATEYAMA and SHOBU MARUs, completed between Mar ’37 and Feb ‘42 for various shipping companies. TATEYAMA MARU was requisitioned by the IJA as Army transport No. 800. All three others were requisitioned by the IJN, SHOEI MARU being first converted to an auxiliary gunboat and later rerated as auxiliary transport; SHOHO MARU served as an auxiliary transport and SHOBU MARU as a general requisitioned ship. All were torpedoed and sunk by submarines between Feb ’43 and Dec ’44.

Builder and Year Completed: Various shipyards
Between 1937 and 1942
Gross tonnage: 1,936-tons to 2,005-tons
Dimensions: 272.3' (Lpp) x 40.0' x 21.0'
Propulsion: One Triple Expansion Steam Engine, one shaft, 2,600 bhp
Speed: Cruising: 10 knots. Max: 12 knots.
Armament: Unknown