Calling all Japanese Post-War Merchant Marine Fans......

[Caravellarella]

Here are some of Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha's earlier motorships......

M.V. Hakubasan Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. HAKUBASAN MARU; a one-off motorship built for routes to India and Pakistan.

Builder � Mitsubishi Dockyard, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,413.
IMO 5366942
Laid down 27th November 1948.
Launched 8th September 1949.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) 20th November 1949 to 1970.

Length 131.6 metres, breadth 17.7 metres. 6,738Grt.

M.V. Akashisan Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. AKASHISAN MARU; one of a class of five sisterships built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, Akagisan Maru, Akashisan Maru, Awajisan Maru, Awobasan Maru and Akibasan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 564.
IMO 5006700
Laid down � unknown.
Launched August 1951.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) to 24th January 1975.

Length 152.2 metres, breadth 19.4 metres. 6,668Grt.

M.V. Hodakasan Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. HODAKASAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, sistership Hagurosan Maru. She is sometimes listed as Hotakasan Maru

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 593.
IMO 5151969
Laid down � unknown.
Launched April 1955.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) June 1955 to 3rd August 1978.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 7,218Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Some later Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha motorships......

M.V. Musashisan Maru (i), � Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha.

M.V. MUSASHISAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha. She had several sisterships, including Mayasan Maru, Megurosan Maru, Momijisan Maru and Matsudosan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 628.
IMO 5244209
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 1st December 1957.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) March 1958 to 1973.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,549Grt.

M.V. Mayasan Maru (ii), � unknown.

M.V. MAYASAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha. She had several sisterships, including Musashisan Maru, Megurosan Maru, Momijisan Maru and Matsudosan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 629.
IMO 5230179
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 6th February 1958.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) May 1958 to 13th November 1979.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,558Grt.

M.V. Megurosan Maru (i), � Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha.

M.V. MEGUROSAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha. She had several sisterships, including Musashisan Maru, Mayasan Maru, Momijisan Maru and Matsudosan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 630.
IMO 5230820
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 17th March 1958.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) July 1958 to 1974.


Terry (Caravellarella)

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,566Grt.

[Caravellarella]

This postcard image will give some idea of Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha's attractive post-war livery......

M.V. Matsudosan Maru (iii), � Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha.

M.V. MATSUDOSAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha. She had several sisterships, including Musashisan Maru, Mayasan Maru, Megurosan Maru and Momijisan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 639.
IMO 5229326
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 20th June 1959.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) September 1959 to 1974.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,548Grt.


Here are some other Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha motorships......

M.V. Kinkasan (i), � Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha.

M.V. KINKASAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, sistership Kasugasan Maru. She was the first �automated� ship in the world with machinery controlled from the bridge and was smaller than other contemporary Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha motorships to allow passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 662.
IMO 5188132
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 12th August 1961.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) November 1961 to 1979.

Length 150 metres, breadth 19.1 metres. 8,316Grt.

M.V. Yoshinosan Maru (i), � Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha.

M.V. YOSHINOSAN MARU; a one-off without sisterships.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 621.
IMO 5396260
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 22nd September 1956.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) November 1956 to 1976.

Length 147.7 metres, breadth 19 metres. 8,722Grt.

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here is a motorship built for another line and purchased by Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha; M.V. Asakasan Maru......

M.V. Asakasan Maru (i), � A. Duncan.

M.V. ASAKASAN MARU; originally built for Wilhelm Wilhelmsen Line as Talisman.

Builder � Kockums, Malm�. Yard N�. 199.
IMO 5026437
Launched 25th August 1937.
Completed 29th October 1937.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) 1951 to 1966.

Length 146 metres (pp), breadth 19 metres. 6,701Grt.


and more pictures of Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha's own motorships......

M.V. Mayasan Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. MAYASAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha. She had several sisterships, including Musashisan Maru, Megurosan Maru, Momijisan Maru and Matsudosan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 629.
IMO 5230179
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 6th February 1958.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) May 1958 to 13th November 1979.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,558Grt.

M.V. Musashisan Maru (ii), � Tom Rayner.

M.V. MUSASHISAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha. She had several sisterships, including Mayasan Maru, Megurosan Maru, Momijisan Maru and Matsudosan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 628.
IMO 5244209
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 1st December 1957.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) March 1958 to 1973.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,549Grt.


Have these pictures inspired anyone want to want to make a model yet?

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

In April 1964 Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha merged with Osaka Shosen Kaisha (or OSK) to form Mitsui-OSK Lines (known today as M.O.L.) and Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha's fleet transferred over to the new combined company. All the fleet adopted the new Mitsui-OSK livery with a vermilion funnel, off-white superstructure, teal hull and bottle green boot-topping. The ship's name is in gold Kanji script on white and repeated in English in white on teal. Here are some of the original Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha motorships in the Mitsui-OSK livery......

M.V. Akibasan Maru (v), � unknown; in Mitsui-OSK livery.

M.V. AKIBASAN MARU; last in a class of five sisterships built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, Akagisan Maru, Akashisan Maru, Awajisan Maru, Awobasan Maru and Akibasan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 570.
IMO 5007077
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 26th April 1952.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) August 1952 to 25th November 1974.

Length 152.2 metres, breadth 19.4 metres. 6,743Grt.

M.V. Akagisan Maru (v), � unknown; in Mitsui-OSK livery.

M.V. AKAGISAN MARU; name-ship of a class of five sisterships built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, Akagisan Maru, Akashisan Maru, Awajisan Maru, Awobasan Maru and Akibasan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 563.
IMO 5006580
Laid down � unknown.
Launched July 1951.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) October 1951 to 5th September 1974.

Length 152.2 metres, breadth 19.4 metres. 6,637Grt.

M.V. Awajisan Maru (v), � unknown; in Mitsui-OSK livery.

M.V. AWAJISAN MARU; one of a class of five sisterships built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, Akagisan Maru, Akashisan Maru, Awajisan Maru, Awobasan Maru and Akibasan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 566.
IMO 5031810
Laid down 22nd May 1951.
Launched 15th December 1951.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) 3rd March 1952 to 22nd January 1975.

Length 152.2 metres, breadth 19.4 metres. 6,746Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here are some more Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha motorships in post-merger Mitsui-OSK livery......

M.V. Harunasan Maru (v), � J. K. Byass; in Mitsui-OSK livery.

M.V. HARUNASAN MARU; name-ship of a class of three sisterships built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, Harunasan Maru, Hakonesan Maru and Hoyeisan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 578.
IMO 5143534
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 10th October 1953.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) January 1954 to 1977.

Length 153.7 metres, breadth 19.4 metres. 6,890Grt.

M.V. Momijisan Maru (v), � unknown; in Mitsui-OSK livery.

M.V. MOMIJISAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha. She had several sisterships, including Musashisan Maru, Mayasan Maru, Megurosan Maru and Matsudosan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 638.
IMO 5239163
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 25th April 1959.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) August 1959 to 1973.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,548Grt.


and in colour

M.V, Kasugasan Maru (vi), � unknown; in Mitsui-OSK livery.

M.V. Kasugasan Maru 6.......jpg (37.71 KiB) Viewed 3861 times

M.V. KASUGASAN MARU; built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, sistership Kinkasan Maru. A compact version of the standard Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha motorship to allow for passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 676.
IMO 5183352
Laid down � unknown.
Launched � unknown.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) to 1975.

Length 150 metres, breadth 19.1 metres. 8,435Grt.


Here is a link to a lovely colour picture of M.V. Kasugasan Maru in her original Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha livery......
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dead_photo ... 173271731/


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here are some motorships belonging to Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha. The livery has a grey hull with white titles; the funnel is either grey or black with two white stripes and one red stripe......

M.V. Nachiharu Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. NACHIHARU MARU; built for Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha. Sistership Shikiharu Maru.

Builder � Hitachi Dockyard, Innoshima. Yard N�. 3,695.
IMO 5245112
Laid down � date unknown.
Launched � date unknown.
Service (Shinnihon then Yamashita-Shinnihon) February 1952 to 24th July 1970.

Length 142.5 metres, breadth 18 metres. 7,025Grt.

M.V. Fujiharu Maru (i), � J. Y. Freeman.

M.V. FUJIHARU MARU; a one-off with no sisterships built for Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Nishi Nippon Dockyard, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,417.
IMO 5122748
Laid down 10th February 1950.
Launched 11th December 1950.
Service (Shinnihon then Yamashita-Shinnihon) 13th March 1951 to 22nd September 1967.

Length 141 metres, breadth 18 metres. 6,831Grt.

M.V. Iseharu Maru (i), � Fotoship.

M.V. ISEHARU MARU; built for Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha. Sistership Suwaharu Maru.

Builder � Hitachi Dockyard, Innoshima. Yard N�. 3,792.
IMO 5164289
Laid down 10th October 1955.
Launched 30th March 1956.
Service (Shinnihon then Yamashita-Shinnihon) 29th May 1956 to 16th January 1969.

Length 138.7 metres, breadth 17.5 metres. 8,777Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

In 1964 Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha merged with Yamashita Kisen Kaisha to form Y.S. Line (Yamashita-Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha). Here are three pictures of M.V. Kisoharu Maru in the post merger livery of a black hull, white upperworks and a deep buff funnel with a black top......

M.V. Kisoharu Maru (v), � unknown; in Yamashita-Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha livery.

M.V. Kisoharu Maru (iv), � unknown; in Yamashita-Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha livery.

M.V. Kisoharu Maru (iii), � unknown; in Yamashita-Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha livery.

M.V. KISOHARU MARU; a one-off motorship without sisterships built for Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Hitachi Dockyard, Innoshima. Yard N�. 3,748.
IMO 5189368
Laid down � date unknown.
Launched 6th May 1955.
Service (Shinnihon then Yamashita-Shinnihon) July 1955 to 1975.

Length 145.1 metres, breadth 18.4 metres. 8,160Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here is another former Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha motorship in post-merger Y.S. Line (Yamashita-Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha) livery. Sometimes they wore Y.S. Line titles in white on the hull amidships......

M.V. Shigaharu Maru (iv), � unknown; in Yamashita-Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha livery.

M.V. SHIGAHARU MARU; one of a class of four sisterships built for Shinnihon Kisen Kaisha; Kamoharu Maru, Tagaharu Maru, Shigaharu Maru and Igaharu Maru.

Builder � Hitachi Dockyard, Innoshima. Yard N�. 3,875.
IMO 5322805
Laid down - unknown.
Launched 4th June 1959.
Service (Shinnihon then Yamashita-Shinnihon) to 1st October 1973.

Length 157 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,290Grt.

Tell me when you're bored; tell me when to stop......

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

For their mid 1950s expansion in the round-the-world service, Nippon Yusen Kaisha ordered 15 "S" class motorships. 7 were ordered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Yokohama yard as the Sagami Maru class and 8 were ordered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Nagasaki yard as the Sanuki Maru class.

Here are some of the Sagami Maru class motorships......

M.V. Shizuoka Maru (i), � Wolfgang Fuchs.

M.V. SHIZUOKA MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 822.
IMO 5324853
Laid down 24th August 1957.
Launched 20th March 1958.
Service (NYK) 9th June 1958 to 1978.

Length 155.3 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,364Grt.

M.V. Sado Maru (iii), � Wolfgang Fuchs.

M.V. SADO MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 805.
IMO 5304712
Laid down 4th October 1955.
Launched 25th February 1956.
Service (NYK) 15th May 1956 to 6th April 1979.

Length 155.3 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,575Grt.

M.V. Sumida Maru (i), � A. Duncan.

M.V. SUMIDA MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 836.
IMO 5343811
Laid down 29th October 1959.
Launched 13th February 1960.
Service (NYK) 28th June 1960 to 8th August 1980.

Length 156.4 metres, breadth 19.0 metres. 9,431Grt.


Like these motorships? Want to see more?

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here are some more pictures of the Sagami Maru class motorships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha. This Yokohama version of the "S" class can be identified by......

1. All four goal-post masts have perforated cross-members.
2. Fewer stanchions on the promenade deck.
3. Additional apertures on both promenade decks below the bridge wings.

M.V. Saitama Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. SAITAMA MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 830.
IMO 5307075
Laid down 13th December 1958.
Launched 11th April 1959.
Service (NYK) 11th June 1959 to 1977.

Length 155.4 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,385Grt.

M.V. Sado Maru (i), � F. W. Hawks. Vancouver, 28th November 1957.

M.V. SADO MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 805.
IMO 5304712
Laid down 4th October 1955.
Launched 25th February 1956.
Service (NYK) 15th May 1956 to 6th April 1979.

Length 155.3 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,575Grt.

M.V. Sumida Maru (ii), � unknown.

M.V. SUMIDA MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 836.
IMO 5343811
Laid down 29th October 1959.
Launched 13th February 1960.
Service (NYK) 28th June 1960 to 8th August 1980.

Length 156.4 metres, breadth 19.0 metres. 9,431Grt.

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Some more of the Sagami Maru class motorships. The perforated cross-members on all four goal-post masts are clearly visible......

M.V. Sado Maru (ii), � Tom Rayner.

M.V. Sado Maru (iv), � unknown.

M.V. SADO MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 805.
IMO 5304712
Laid down 4th October 1955.
Launched 25th February 1956.
Service (NYK) 15th May 1956 to 6th April 1979.

Length 155.3 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,575Grt.

M.V. Suruga Maru (i), � Karl-Heinz Schwadtke.

M.V. SURUGA MARU; one of a class of seven sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sagami Maru, Sado Maru, Suruga Maru, Shizuoka Maru, Saitama Maru, Sumida Maru and Sapporo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yokohama. Yard N�. 819.
IMO 5345728
Laid down 26th September 1956.
Launched 14th February 1957.
Service (NYK) 20th May 1957 to 24th April 1975.

Length 155 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,564Grt.

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

To continue the Nippon Yusen Kaisha "S" class motorships theme, of 15 ships, 7 were ordered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Yokohama yard as the Sagami Maru class and 8 were ordered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Nagasaki yard as the Sanuki Maru class.

Here is the name ship of the Nagasaki version class, M.V. Sanuki Maru......

M.V. Sanuki Maru (v). � unknown.

M.V. Sanuki Maru (iii), � A. Duncan.

M.V. Sanuki Maru (ii), � L. A. Baker.

M.V. SANUKI MARU; name-ship of a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,443.
IMO 5313361
Laid down 8th November 1954.
Launched 25th January 1955.
Service (NYK) 15th May 1955 to 1974.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,308Grt.


A very handsome motorship don't you agree?

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here are some more pictures of a Sanuki Maru class motorship built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha. This Nagasaki version of the "S" class can be identified by......

1. Only the amidships goal-post masts have perforated cross-members.
2. More stanchions on the promenade deck.
3. No apertures on the sides of both promenade decks below the bridge wings.

M.V. Satsuma Maru (ii), � unknown.

M.V. Satsuma Maru (iii), � unknown.

M.V. Satsuma Maru (i), � A.Duncan.

M.V. SATSUMA MARU; one of a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,464.
IMO 5314509
Laid down 10th October 1955.
Launched 15th February 1956.
Service (NYK) 10th May 1956 to 1974.

Length 156.7 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,342Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Another of Nippon Yusen Kaisha's Sanuki Maru class motorships......

M.V. Saikyo Maru......

M.V. Saikyo Maru (ii), � Hans Joachim Reinecke.

M.V. Saikyo Maru (iii), � unknown. Royal Albert Dock, London, 28th February 1970.

M.V. Saikyo Maru (i), � J. K. Byass.

M.V. SAIKYO MARU; last in a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,560.
IMO 5305340
Laid down 22nd December 1960.
Launched 10th March 1961.
Service (NYK) 6th July 1961 to 1979.

Length 156.4 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,558Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

More Sanuki Maru class motorships......

M.V. Settsu Maru (i),� Hans Joachim Reinecke.

M.V. Settsu Maru (ii), � Leonar.

M.V. SETTSU MARU; one of a class of eight sisterships � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,484.
IMO 5321045
Laid down 15th October 1956.
Launched 1st February 1957.
Service (NYK) 14th April 1957 to 1980.

Length 156.5 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,556Grt.

M.V. Sanuki Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. SANUKI MARU; name-ship of a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,443.
IMO 5313361
Laid down 8th November 1954.
Launched 25th January 1955.
Service 15th May 1955 to 1974.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,308Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Yet more Sanuki Maru class motorships......

M.V. Saga Maru (i), � A. Duncan.

M.V. SAGA MARU; one of a class of eight sisterships � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,527.
IMO 5304956
Laid down 30th December 1957.
Launched 25th February 1959.
Service (NYK) 24th May 1959 to 1st September 1979.

Length 156.4 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,436Grt.

M.V Shimane Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. SHIMANE MARU; one of a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,509.
IMO 5322934
Laid down 26th March 1958.
Launched 5th July 1958.
Service (NYK) 16th October 1958 to 27th February 1978.

Length 156.8 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,426Grt.

M.V. Seta Maru (i), � A. Duncan.

M.V. SETA MARU; one of a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,529.
IMO 5320962
Laid down 10th October 1959.
Launched 28th January 1960.
Service (NYK) 2nd May 1960 to 17th December 1971.

Length 156.4 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,409Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

The class name-ship again......

M.V. Sanuki Maru (vi), � Wolfgang Fuchs.

M.V. SANUKI MARU; name-ship of a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,443.
IMO 5313361
Laid down 8th November 1954.
Launched 25th January 1955.
Service 15th May 1955 to 1974.

Length 156.6 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,308Grt.


and a company postcard image to show what a "S" class motorship looks like in colour......

M.V. Seta Maru (ii), � Nippon Yusen Kaisha.

M.V. SETA MARU; one of a class of eight sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha � Sanuki Maru, Satsuma Maru, Settsu Maru, Shiga Maru, Shimane Maru, Saga Maru, Seta Maru and Saikyo Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1,529.
IMO 5320962
Laid down 10th October 1959.
Launched 28th January 1960.
Service (NYK) 2nd May 1960 to 17th December 1971.

Length 156.4 metres, breadth 19.6 metres. 9,409Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Contemporary to Nippon Yusen Kaisha's "S" class and part of the same post-war expansion programme was the 2 ship Nagato Maru class. Both ships were reduced versions of the "S" class motorships......

M.V. Nagato Maru (i), � F. W. Hawks. Vancouver 16th February 1958.

M.V. Nagato Maru (ii), � unknown.

M.V. NAGATO MARU; name-ship of a class of two sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Nagato Maru and Nagara Maru.

Builder � Ishikawajima-Harima Dockyard, Aioi. Yard No. 516.
IMO 5245772
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 8th May 1957.
Service (NYK) 1957 to 1976.

Length 143 metres, breadth 19 metres. 8,524Grt.


Had enough Nippon Yusen Kaisha yet? Want to see a different shipping line?

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

M.V. Kazukawa Maru was one of the very first units of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha's (K-Line) post-war rebuilding programme. The attractive K-Line livery has a pale grey hull with rose red boot-topping, white upperworks and a pale grey and rose red funnel with a white "K" emblem. Again in Japanese fashion, the funnel emblem is actually a superimposed structure rather than just being painted onto the funnel......

M.V. Kazukawa Maru (i), � Real Photographs Co. Ltd.

M.V. Kazukawa Maru (ii), � A. Duncan.

M.V. KAZUKAWA MARU; a one-off motorship built for Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Kawasaki Dockyard Co Ltd, Kobe. Yard N�. 903.
IMO 5184447
Laid down 11th February 1950.
Launched 12th October 1950.
Service (K-Line) 23rd December 1950 to 13th January 1971.

Length 138.2 metres, breadth 17.4 metres. 6,307Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)