The Ship Model Forum

In 1959, when I was 6 years old, I traveled with my family on the transport ship Hawaii Maru from Yokohama, Japan to San Pedro, California, USA, via San Francisco, California, USA. I don't remember much about the ship although I remember the large ? on the smokestack, so I assume it is the Hawaii Maru pictured above. (Is it even possible that there was more than one ship with that name at the same time?) There were 6 of us in my immediate family traveling together, and I was the youngest. Of my family, my brother 8 years my senior and I are the only ones still alive. Having been born in rural Japan, this was an incredible journey and adventure for me.

If anyone can offer any ways of learning more about this ship, please let me know.

Thank you.

Minoru Furuyama
mfuruyama@hotmail.com

Two more from my favourite generation of [b]Nippon Yusen Kaisha[/b]'s express motorships from the mid 1960s��

[attachment=1]M.V. Kii Maru 5.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. KII MARU[/b]; one of a class of four sisterships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha - Kaga Maru, Kawachi Maru, [i][b]Kii Maru[/b][/i] and Kai Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe. Yard N�. 962.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 6621909[/size][/i][/b]
Laid down - 1st April 1966.
Launched - 30th September 1966.
Service (NYK) 18th December 1966 to 1986.
Jumboised into a container ship in 1980.

Length 170.9 metres, breadth 23 metres. 11,380Grt. (Length 186.9 metres. 14,127Grt Jumboised).


[attachment=0]M.V. Yamashiro Maru 5.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. YAMASHIRO MARU[/b]; name-ship of a class of three sisterships built for [b]Nippon Yusen Kaisha[/b] - [b][i]Yamashiro Maru[/i][/b], Yamaguchi Maru and Yamagata Maru.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. Yard N�. 1588.
[b][size=150][i]IMO 5425932[/i][/size][/b]
Laid down - 1st March 1963
Launched - 20th August 1963.
Service (NYK) 9th November 1963 to 11th October 1973.

Length 161 metres, breadth 23 metres. 10,467Grt.

Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Keiko Maru[/b]; a Sanko Kaiun Kaisha motorship in [b]Oyama Line[/b] service......

[attachment=0]M.V. Keiko Maru 1......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. KEIKO MARU[/b]; a coaster built for [b]Sanko Kaiun Kaisha[/b]; she was lengthened in 1965.

Builder - Onomichi Zosen, Onomichi. Yard N�. 111.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5184693[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - unknown.
Launched - 5th June 1962.
Service (SKK) July 1962 to 1974.

Length 66.1 metres, breadth 11 metres. 1,207Grt.
Length 78.9 meters. 1,375grt after lengthening.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

Some [b]Sanko Kisen Kaisha[/b] bulk carrier sisterships......

[attachment=1]M.V. St Lawrence Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. ST LAWRENCE MARU[/b]; a bulk carrier motorship built for [b]Sanko Kisen Kaisha[/b].

Builder - Sanoyasu Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 277.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 7001819[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down � unknown.
Launched � 20th August 1969.
Service (SKK) October 1969 to 1976.

Length 156.9 metres, breadth 22.8 metres. 12,626Grt.


[attachment=0]M.V. Montr�al Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. MONTREAL MARU[/b]; a bulk carrier motorship built for [b]Sanko Kisen Kaisha[/b].

Builder - Sanoyasu Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 278.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 7003958[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down � unknown.
Launched � unknown.
Service (SKK) 1970 to 1975.

Length 156.9 metres, breadth 22.8 metres. 12,623Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Kintai Maru[/b]; a [b]Sanoyasu Shoji Kaisha[/b] motorship in [b]Tokai Kisen Kaisha[/b] service......

[attachment=0]M.V. Kintai Maru 1......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. KINTAI MARU[/b]; a motorship built for [b]Sanoyasu Shoji Kaisha[/b].

Builder � Hashihama Zosen, Hashihama. Yard N�. 253.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 6922470[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down � unknown.
Launched � unknown.
Service (SSK) 1969 to 1st January 1979.

Length 127.6 metres, breadth 18.3 metres. 6,038Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

Always interesting. Thx for posting.

[b]M.V. Kusunoki Maru[/b]; another Tokyo Kaiji Kaisha motorship��

[attachment=0]M.V. Kusunoki Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. KUSUNOKI MARU[/b]; a bulk carrier motorship built for Tokyo Kaiji Kaisha.

Builder - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe. Yard N�. 999.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 6911483[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - unknown.
Launched - May 1969.
Service (TKK) 1969 to January 1977.

Length 148.04 metres, breadth 21.65 metres. 10,083Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Meikun Maru[/b]; a [b]Meiji Kaiun Kaisha[/b] motorship in [b]Mitsui-O.S.K[/b] service......

[attachment=0]M.V. Meikun Maru 4.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. MEIKUN MARU[/b] ; last in a class of six motorships built for Meiji Kaiun Kaisha, Meitetsu Maru, Meiryu Maru, Meian Maru, Meisho Maru, Meijo Maru & [b][i]Meikun Maru[/b][/i].

Builder � Fujinagata Dockyard (Mitsui), Osaka. Yard N�. 73.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5231135[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - October 1959.
Launched - March 1960.
Service June 1960 to July 1974.

Length 147.5 metres, breadth 18.95 metres. 6,109Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Indus Maru[/b]; a [b]Mitsui-O.S.K[/b] heavylift cargo ship......

[attachment=0]M.V. Indus Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. INDUS MARU[/b]; a heavylift motorship built for Mitsui-O.S.K- Baba Kisen Kaisha joint-operation.

Builder - Sanoyasu Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 298.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 7033898[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - 20th March 1970.
Launched � 8th October 1970.
Service (Mitsui-O.S.K) 10th December 1970 to 1985.

Length 144.6 metres, breadth 22.1 metres. 9,607Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Mitaka Maru[/b]; a [b]Nippon Yusen Kaisha[/b] heavylift cargo ship......

[attachment=0]M.V. Mitaka Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. MITAKA MARU[/b]; a smaller one-off heavylift motorship with two 40 ton derricks built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha.

Builder - Osaka Zosensho, Osaka. Yard N�. 139.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5237311[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - July 1958.
Launched - November 1958.
Service (NYK) 28th January 1959 to 28th April 1975.

Length 126 metres, breadth 16 metres. 5,767Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Mikuni Maru[/b]; a [b]Yachio Kisen Kaisha[/b] motorship in [b]Nippon Yusen Kaisha[/b] service......

[attachment=0]M.V. Mikuni Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. MIKUNI MARU[/b]; a one-off motorship built for Yachio Kisen Kaisha, which was transferred to joint operation with Nippon Yusen Kaisha on 31st January 1966 and sold to Chiyoda Kisen Kaisha on 31st March 1973.

Builder - Nomura Zosensho, Osaka. Yard N�. 299.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5235052[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - 21st June 1956.
Launched - 20th December 1956.
Service 15th April 1957 to 1973.

Length 120 (pp) metres, breadth 16.8 metres. 5,975Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Eian Maru[/b]; a [b]Hachiuma Kisen Kaisha[/b] motorship in [b]Nippon Yusen Kaisha[/b] service......

[attachment=0]M.V. Eian Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. EIAN MARU[/b]; a one-off motorship built for Hachiuma Kisen Kaisha, & operated by Nippon Yusen Kaisha from 21st December 1951.

Builder - Harima Zosensho, Aioi. Yard N�. 465.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5098404[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - 24th December 1950.
Launched - 21st June 1951.
Service (Hachiuma Kisen then NYK) 30th October 1951 to June 1966.

Length 128 (pp) metres, breadth 17.8 metres. 6,478Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Mihara Maru[/b]; a motorship in joint [b]Nippon Yusen Kaisha[/b] & [b]Taiyo Kangai Industry[/b] service......

[attachment=0]M.V. Mihara Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. MIHARA MARU[/b]; a motorship built for joint Nippon Yusen Kaisha & Taiyo Kangai Industry operation, she passed to sole Nippon Yusen Kaisha ownership on 29th June 1963.

Builder � Sanoyasu Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 170.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5234711[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - March 1959.
Launched - November 1959.
Service (NYK) February 1960 to 5th October 1972.

Length 126.5 metres, breadth 16.8 metres. 5,897Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

[b]M.V. Yubari Maru[/b]; a [b]Hokusai[/b] motorship in [b]Mitsui-O.S.K[/b] service......

[attachment=0]M.V. Yubari Maru 3......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. YUBARI MARU[/b]; a one-off motorship built for Hokusai Shipping Company. She was sold to Osaka Shosen Kaisha on 31st March 1964 and passed to the merged Mitsui-OSK line the next day.

Builder - Osaka Zosensho, Osaka. Yard N�. 148.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5396662[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - March 1959.
Launched - July 1959.
Service (Hokusai then Mitsui-O.S.K) 23rd September 1959 to 16th July 1976.

Length 113.6 metres, breadth 15.5 metres. 4,226Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

Here is a pair of [b]Mitsui-OSK[/b] motorships from the mid 1960s��

[attachment=1]M.V. Recife Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. RECIFE MARU[/b]; one of a class of four sisterships built for Mitsui-OSK�s general cargo service to South American ports, Rosario Maru, Rio de Janeiro Maru, [i][b]Recife Maru[/b][/i] and Rio Grande Maru.

Builder - Nomura Zosensho, Osaka. Yard N�. 363.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 6719201[/size][/i][/b]
Laid down - 26th December 1966.
Launched � 21st April 1967.
Service (Mitsui-OSK) 4th July 1967 to 1979.

Length 139.9 metres, breadth 19.1 metres. 7,897Grt.


[attachment=0]M.V. Rio Grande Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. RIO GRANDE MARU[/b]; one of a class of four sisterships built for Mitsui-OSK�s general cargo service to South American ports, Rosario Maru, Rio de Janeiro Maru, Recife Maru and [i][b]Rio Grande Maru[/b][/i].

Builder � Sanoyasu Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 258.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 6719213[/size][/i][/b]
Laid down - 3rd February 1967.
Launched - 24th May 1967.
Service (Mitsui-OSK) 4th August 1967 to 18th May 1979.

Length 139.9 metres, breadth 19.1 metres. 7,895Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

Here is a pair of [b]Nippon Yusen Kaisha[/b] bulk/timber carrier motorships from the mid 1960s......

[attachment=1]M.V. Matsumoto Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. MATSUMOTO MARU[/b]; one of a class of two bulk/timber carrier motorships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Matsue Maru & [i][b]Matsumoto Maru[/b][/i].

Builder - Nomura Zosensho, Osaka. Yard N�. 349.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 6507505[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - 10th August 1964.
Launched - 4th December 1964.
Service (NYK) 30th January 1965 to 1974.

Length 140 metres, breadth 20.1 metres. 7,408Grt.


[attachment=0]M.V. Matsushiro Maru 1.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. MATSUSHIRO MARU[/b]; a one-off bulk/timber carrier motorship built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha; she was converted by a subsequent owner into a drilling exploration vessel.

Builder - Nomura Oemec Corporation, Osaka. Yard N�. 355.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 6608608[/size][/i][/b]
Laid Down - 30th September 1965.
Launched - 5th February 1966.
Service (NYK) 1st April 1966 to 27th July 1977.

Length 166 metres, breadth 21.65 metres. 9,495Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])

Re: K Line M.V. Oregon Maru, posted by Terry Caravellarella on Aug 5, 2009 (page 3)

This was one of three K Line ships converted in 1971 to self-loading containerships for feeder service to/from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. As far as I can tell these were the only Japanese Six line self-loading container ships. In 1972 they were given new "Bridge" names, and then in 1976 they were charted to Phoenix Container Line and given "Phoenix" names. Apparently they were renamed yet again in 1979 when they were charted to OOCL and given "Oriental" names, only to be renamed with "Orient" names later that year.

Oregon Maru, 1959, IMO 5264546?; enlarged & converted 1971; to Tower Bridge 1972; to Taiwan Phoenix 1976; to Oriental Express 1979; to Orient Sovereign 1979; to Century Carrier No.2 1982

Montana Maru, 1958, IMO 5240095?; enlarged & converted 1971; to Harbour Bridge 1972; to Hong Kong Phoenix 1976; to Oriental Destiny (2nd) 1979; to Orient Splendor 1979; to Century Carrier No.3 1982

Colorado Maru, 1960, IMO 5077292?; enlarged & converted 1971; to Bay Bridge 1972; to Korea Phoenix 1975; to Oriental Charger 1979; to Orient Sapphire 1979; to Century Carrier No.1 1983
Here's a link to a photo of Korea Phoenix:
[url]http://www.photoship.co.uk/jalbum%20ships/Old%20Ships%20K/slides/Korea%20Phoenix-01.html[/url]

Please I would like to have informations on this cargo ship:

[b]KANEFUJI MARU[/b]
date built: 1968
weight (tons): 3852 grt
dimensions : 107 x 16,5 x 6,7 m
builder: Kanasashi Zosensho, Shimizu

There is an image?

This layout was used by a number of early heavy lift vessels built in the 1950's and 60's. Large and heavy single structures could be carried on a relatively small hull in this way as the heavy structures would be placed near the center of buoyancy, where the ships' engines would be in a traditional design. A similar ship, Lichtenfels, was used by a german shipyard to transport FAC's to its customers in the 1960's. PM me if you're interested in a low quality GA drawing of Lichtenfels.
[quote="Cadman"]

Interesting arrangement. More typical of a tanker.[/quote]

Thanks [color=#800000][b]Cadman[/b][/color], I'm not a fan or expert of heavylift ships but I think the intention was to put the heavylift derrick at the central part of the ship. That way the holds would be at the widest part of the hull, and if the cargo was too large to fit in the hold, it would be carried on deck at the widest part of the hull. Objects like transformers, generators, large pipes, locomotives, smaller ships and heavy plant machinery would normally be transported in or on ships of this kind......

Meanwhile here is a pair of rakish [b]Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha[/b] motorships in post-merger 1964 [b]Mitsui-OSK[/b] livery......

[attachment=1]M.V. Hodakasan Maru 5.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. HODAKASAN MARU[/b]; one of a pair of motorships built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, Hagurosan Maru and [i][b]Hodakasan Maru[/b][/i]. She is sometimes called Hotakasan Maru in some references.

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 593.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5151969[/size][/i][/b]
Laid down � 6th November 1954.
Launched � 21st April 1955.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) 29th July 1955 to 3rd August 1978.

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


[attachment=0]M.V. Hoeisan Maru 4.......jpg[/attachment]
[b]M.V. HOEISAN MARU[/b]; last in a class of three sisterships built for Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha, Harunasan Maru, Hakonesan Maru and [i][b]Hoeisan Maru[/b][/i].

Builder � Mitsui, Tamano. Yard N�. 581.
[b][i][size=150]IMO 5152561[/size][/i][/b]
Laid down - 29th September 1953.
Launched - 23rd April 1954.
Service (Mitsui then Mitsui-OSK) 17th July 1954 to 1976.

Length 153.7 metres, breadth 19.3 metres. 6,953Grt.


Terry ([color=#800000][b]Caravellarella[/b][/color])