This class consisted of three ships. COLUMBIA MARU and OLYMPIA MARU were cargo ships completed in 1927 for Mitsubishi Shoji K.K while SHUNTEN MARU was completed as a cargo ship for Yamamoto Shoji, K. K. in 1928. All three ships were initially used as lumber transports primarily between the Pacific west coast and Japan.
SHUNTEN MARU was requisitioned by the IJN in Oct '41. She became a miscellaneous transport. In Dec '43 she was reconverted to an auxiliary emergency oiler. On 17 Nov '44, SHUNTEN MARU was sunk by an American submarine. COLUMBIA MARU and OLYMPIA MARU were both requisitioned by the IJA in respectively Jul '41 and sept '41. COLUMBIA MARU became a troop transport while OLYMPIA MARU became an aeronautical repair ship. On 30 Nov '43, COLUMBIA MARU was sunk by an American submarine and OLYMPIA MARU was sunk on 24 Sept '44 by American carrier aircraft. More information about these two ships can be found on Rikugun Yusosen , COLUMBIA MARU class.| Builder and Year Completed: |
Mitsubishi Zosen Kaisha, Nagasaki 1927-28 |
| Gross tonnage: | 5,168-5,623-tons. |
| Dimensions: | 405' x 55' x 25.8' |
| Propulsion: | Diesel engine, 1 screw, 2,300 BHP, 1 shaft. |
| Speed: | 11 knots cruising, 13.8 knots max. |
| Oil Cargo Capacity (SHUNTEN MARU): | Unknown |
| Armament: | Unknown. |
