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

[Caravellarella]

When sailing on routes to Western Europe, Japan Line ships operated under the Toho Line banner, though this was not associated with the other shipping line Toho Kaiun Kaisha. Here is the former Nitto Shosen Kaisha motorship M.V. Daiwa Maru as a Japan Line ship wearing Toho Line titles......

M.V. Daiwa Maru (vi), � Schiffsfotos Arnold Kludas. Dated 13th September 1969; in Japan Line Ltd livery with Toho Line titles.

M.V. DAIWA MARU; one of a pair of motorships built for Nitto Shosen Kaisha, Daiwa Maru and Howa Maru. She transferred to the Japan Line Ltd when Daido Kaiun Kaisha and Nitto Shosen Kaisha merged in 1964 to create Japan Line.

Builder � Ishikawajima�Harima Dockyard, Tokyo. Yard N�. 818.
IMO 5085287
Laid Down � unknown.
Launched 17th October 1961.
Service (Nitto Shosen then Japan Line) 1962 to 1983.

Length 156 metres, breadth 19.7 metres. 9,353Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Some Nippon Yusen Kaisha intermediate motorships......

M.V. Mikasa Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. MIKASA MARU; name-ship of a class of two motorships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Mikasa Maru and Mikawa Maru.

Builder � Namura Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 295.
IMO 5234840
Laid down � 11th July 1955.
Launched - 15th December 1955.
Service (NYK) 15th March 1956 to 27th September 1971.

Length 125 metres, breadth 16.8 metres. 5,849Grt.

M.V. Mikawa Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. Mikawa Maru (i), � Tom Rayner.

M.V. MIKAWA MARU; one of a class of two motorships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Mikasa Maru and Mikawa Maru.

Builder � Namura Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 301.
IMO 5234864
Laid down � 26th December 1956.
Launched - 17th April 1957.
Service (NYK) 27th July 1957 to 29th June 1973.

Length 125 metres, breadth 16.8 metres. 5,854Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

A little steamship built for Kansai Kisen Kaisha......

S.S. Himalaya Maru (ii), � A. Duncan.

S.S. Himalaya Maru (i), � A. Duncan.

S.S. HIMALAYA MARU; a one-off small steamship built for Kansai Kisen Kaisha, she was converted into a motorship in mid January 1962.

Builder � Sanoyasu Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 111.
IMO 5150812
Laid down � 30th May 1951.
Launched � 29th November 1951.
Service 15th March 1952 to 1968.

Length 120.2 metres, breadth 16.1 metres. 4,615Grt.


The "nifty" page for Kansai Kisen Kaisha is here......
http://homepage3.nifty.com/jpnships/com ... kuizen.htm

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Another Nippon Yusen Kaisha intermediate motorship......

M.V. Himeji Maru (iii), � unknown.

M.V. Himeji Maru (ii), � unknown.

M.V. Himeji Maru (i), � A. Duncan.

M.V. HIMEJI MARU; name-ship of a class of two motorships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Himeji Maru and Hikone Maru.

Builder � Ishikawajima-Harima Dockyard, Aioi. Yard N�. 508.
IMO 5150824
Laid down - 24th April 1956.
Launched - 13th August 1956.
Service (NYK) 15th November 1956 to 1976.

Length 136.6 metres, breadth 18 metres. 7,247Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Yet another Nippon Yusen Kaisha intermediate motorship......

M.V. Hikone Maru (ii), � unknown.

M.V. Hikone Maru (i), � unknown.

M.V. Hikone Maru (iii), � Leonar.

M.V. HIKONE MARU; one of a class of two motorships built for Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Himeji Maru and Hikone Maru.

Builder � Ishikawajima-Harima Dockyard, Aioi. Yard N�. 509.
IMO 5150410
Laid down - 14th August 1956.
Launched - 10th November 1956.
Service (NYK) 28th January 1957 to 27th November 1973.

Length 136.6 metres, breadth 18 metres. 7,246Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

A pair of Nakamura Kisen Kaisha motorships that I know next-to-nothing about......

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

M.V. ASAKIRISAN MARU; a one-off motorship built for Nakamura Kisen Kaisha. Renamed SEIZAN MARU in 1966 when operated by Kyoei Kisen Kaisha (Kyoei Tanker Line).

Builder � Nishi Nippon Dockyard (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), Hiroshima. Yard No. 27.
IMO 5026487
Laid down � 6th February 1950.
Launched - 12th December 1950.
Service 24th March 1951 to 1971.

Length 139.5 metres, breadth 18.2 metres. 6,714Grt.

M.V. Asashio Maru (i), � A. Duncan.

M.V. ASASHIO MARU; a one-off motorship built for Nakamura Kisen Kaisha. She was sold to Yamashita Kisen Kaisha on 4th October 1956 and renamed YAMAHIME MARU.

Builder � Mitsui Dockyard, Tamano. Yard N�. 575.
IMO 5394444
Laid down - 2nd August 1952.
Launched - 14th January 1953.
Service (Nakamura Kisen then Yamashita Kisen then Y.S. Line) 8th April 1953 to September 1970.

Length 141.4 metres, breadth 18.7 metres. 7,524Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here is the Toho Kaiun Kaisha (Toho Line) motorship M.V. Tosho Maru......

In Toho Kaiun Kaisha livery......

M.V. Tosho Maru (i), � unknown.

In Shinwa Kaiun Kaisha livery......

M.V. Tosho Maru (iv), � unknown; in Shinwa Kaiun Kaisha livery.

M.V. Tosho Maru (v), � A. Duncan; in Shinwa Kaiun Kaisha livery.

M.V. TOSHO MARU; a one-off motorship built for Toho Kaiun Kaisha�s Yokohama-Seattle route. Toho Kaiun Kaisha and Nittetsu Kisen Kaisha merged on 15th February 1962 to create Shinwa Kaiun Kaisha and she was transferred to the merged shipping line. (Shinwa Kaiun Kaisha became a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kaisha in 1964.)

Builder - Nishi Nippon (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), Hiroshima. Yard N�. 104.
IMO 5365857
Laid Down - 21st May 1951.
Launched - 18th November 1951.
Service (Toho Kaiun then Shinwa Kaiun) 5th February 1952 to 26th January 1972.

Length 139.5 metres, breadth 18.2 metres. 6,814Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

A pair of Toho Kaiun Kaisha motorships in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery......

M.V. New York Maru (iv), � Real Photographs Co. Ltd; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. NEW YORK MARU; second in a pair of twin-screw motorships built for Toho Kaiun Kaisha�s Yokohama-New York express route, Yokohama Maru and New York Maru. She was sold to Nippon Yusen Kaisha on 28th March 1955.

Builder � Nagoya Zosen Dockyard, Nagoya. Yard N�. 104.
IMO 5250258
Laid Down � 9th August 1952.
Launched - 18th January 1953.
Service (Toho Kaiun then NYK) 7th April 1953 to 6th May 1971.

Length 150 metres, breadth 19.1 metres. 7,789Grt.

M.V. Yokohama Maru (iv), � unknown; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. YOKOHAMA MARU; one of a pair of twin-screw motorships built for Toho Kaiun Kaisha�s Yokohama-New York express route, Yokohama Maru and New York Maru. She was sold to Nippon Yusen Kaisha on 28th March 1955.

Builder � Nagoya Zosen Dockyard, Nagoya. Yard N�. 103.
IMO 5395931
Laid Down � 27th December 1951.
Launched - 9th August 1952.
Service (Toho Kaiun then NYK) 1st November 1952 to 1st August 1970.

Length 150 metres, breadth 19.1 metres. 7,675Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

A Nakano Kisen Kaisha motorship, M.V. Hikoshima Maru......

In Nakano Kisen Kaisha livery......

M.V. Hikoshima Maru (i), � unknown.

In Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery......

M.V. Hikoshima Maru (iv), � A. Duncan; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. HIKOSHIMA MARU; a one-off motorship built for Nakano Kisen Kaisha. She was sold to Mitsubishi Kaiun Kaisha and passed to Nippon Yusen Kaisha in 1964.

Builder � Uraga Dockyard. Yard N�. 648.
IMO 5150434
Laid down � unknown.
Launched - 14th March 1953.
Service (Nakano Kisen, Mitsubishi then NYK) June 1953 to 1970.

Length 136.9 metres, breadth 17.8 metres. 6,626Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Some other Nakano Kisen Kaisha ships......

S.S. Hikosan Maru (i), � A. Duncan; livery unknown.

S.S. HIKOSAN MARU; a one-off steamship built for Nakano Kisen Kaisha, she transferred to Mitsubishi Kaiun Kaisha and then to Nippon Yusen Kaisha 1964.

Builder � Uraga Dockyard, Uraga. Yard No. 632.
IMO 5515042
Laid down � unknown.
Launched � unknown.
Service November 1951 to 4th January 1966 (grounded and wrecked Onohama Harbour).

Length 136.7 metres, breadth 17.8 metres. 6,363Grt.

M.V. Hikokane Maru (v), � unknown; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. HIKOKANE MARU; a one-off motorship built for Nakano Kisen Kaisha. She was sold to Mitsubishi Kaiun Kaisha and passed to Nippon Yusen Kaisha in 1964.

Builder � Uraga Dockyard, Uraga. Yard N�. 716.
IMO 5150408
Laid down � unknown.
Launched - 4th February 1958.
Service (Nakano Kisen, Mitsubishi then NYK) 1958 to 1972.

Length 144 metres, breadth 18.9 metres. 8,528Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Some Meiji Kaiun Kaisha (Meiji Shipping) motorships in other liveries......

M.V. Meian Maru (i), � A. Duncan; in a version of Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha's livery.

M.V. MEIAN MARU; one of a class of six motorships built for Meiji Kaiun Kaisha, Meitetsu Maru, Meiryu Maru, Meian Maru, Meisho Maru, Meijo Maru & Meikun Maru.

Builder � Fujinigata Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 58.
IMO 5230911
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 20th December 1956.
Service 1957 to 1971.

Length � unknown, breadth � unknown. 8,617Grt.

M.V. Meirinsan Maru (iv), � A. Duncan; in Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha livery.

M.V. MEIRINSAN MARU; a motorship built for Meiji Kaiun Kaisha. She is sometimes listed under Meiji Kaiun Kaisha�s fleet as Meirinzan Maru.

Builder � Mitsui Dockyard, Tamano. Yard N�. 583.
IMO 5231161
Laid down � unknown.
Launched 19th June 1954.
Service August 1954 to 1973.

Length 142.7 metres, breadth 18.7 metres. 7,505Grt.

M.V. Meijyo Maru (i), � unknown, in an unknown livery.

M.V. MEIJYO MARU; sometimes listed as MEIJO MARU one of a class of six motorships built for Meiji Kaiun Kaisha, Meitetsu Maru, Meiryu Maru, Meian Maru, Meisho Maru, Meijo Maru & Meikun Maru.

Builder � Fujinigata Dockyard, Osaka. Yard N�. 63.
IMO 5231044
Laid down - 4th April 1958.
Launched - 3rd August 1958.
Service 15th November 1958 to 1971.

Length 137.5 metres, breadth 19 metres. 8,636Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Some Toyo Kisen Kaisha motorships......

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

M.V. SHOYO MARU; a one-off motorship built for Toyo Kisen Kaisha. This shipping line was taken over by Japan Oil Tanker Line 31st March 1960 and then merged with Showa Line on 1st April 1964.

Builder � Higashi Nippon Dockyard (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), Yokohama. Yard N�. 747.
IMO 5326150
Laid down � 27th February 1950.
Launched � 24th January 1951.
Service (Toyo Kisen then Japan Tanker then Showa Line) 28th March 1951 to 1971.

Length 139.3 metres, breadth 18.3 metres. 6,617grt.

M.V. Fuyo Maru (iii), � F. W. Hawks; in a version of Mitsui Senpaku Kaisha's livery at Vancouver on 3rd May 1958.

M.V. FUYO MARU; a one-off motorship built for Toyo Kisen Kaisha. This shipping line was taken over by Japan Oil Tanker Line 31st March 1960 and then merged with Showa Line on 1st April 1964.

Builder � Hakodate Dockyard. Yard N�. 201.
IMO 5124526
Laid down � 1st August 1952.
Launched - 30th November 1952.
Service (Toyo Kisen then Japan Tanker then Showa Line) 13th April 1953 to February 1972.

Length 139 metres, breadth 18.4 metres. 6,821grt.

M.V. Kyokuyo Maru (i), � A. Duncan; in an unknown livery.

M.V. KYOKUYO MARU; a one-off motorship built for Toyo Kisen Kaisha and the last ship built for this company. This shipping line was taken over by Japan Oil Tanker Line 31st March 1960 and then merged with Showa Line on 1st April 1964.

Builder � Hakodate Dockyard. Yard No. 232.
IMO 5199416
Laid down � 16th August 1957.
Launched - 16th November 1957.
Service (Toyo Kisen then Japan Tanker then Showa Line) 6th February 1957 to 1974.

Length 135 metres (pp), breadth 19 metres. 8,416grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

A pair of poorly documented Tamai Shosen Kaisha motorships in other liveries......

M.V. Miyotama Maru (iv), � A. Duncan; in Osaka Shosen Kaisha livery.

M.V. MIYOTAMA MARU; a motorship built for Tamai Shosen Kaisha.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe. Yard N�. 851.
IMO 5237737
Laid down � unknown.
Launched � 20th December 1952.
Service March 1953 to 1966.

Length 142.7 metres, breadth 18.5 metres. 7,284Grt.

M.V. Kikutama Maru (iv), � & livery unknown.

M.V. KIKUTAMA MARU; a motorship built for Tamai Shosen Kaisha.

Builder � Nippon Kokan, Shimizu. Yard N�. 127.
IMO 5186976
Laid down � unknown.
Launched � 28th April 1957
Service 1957 to 1975.

Dimensions - unknown. 9,098Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

The Kyoei Tanker Kaisha motorship M.V. Soei Maru in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery......

M.V. Soei Maru (iv), � Wolfgang Fuchs; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. Soei Maru (v), � A. Duncan; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. Soei Maru (vi), � Wolfgang Fuchs; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. SOEI MARU; a one-off motorship built for Kyoei Tanker Kaisha, she was sold to Nippon Yusen Kaisha in 1962.

Builder � Ishikawajima-Harima Dockyard, Aioi. Yard N�. 519.
IMO 5332977
Laid down � unknown.
Launched - 13th February 1960.
Service (NYK) 1962 to 1969

Length 136.6 metres, breadth 18.1 metres. 7,310Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Three poorly documented ships wearing Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha colours on their funnels......

S.S. Shinsei Maru No. 3 (iv), � unknown; in partial Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha livery.

S.S. SHINSEI MARU No.3; a steamship built for Hara Shosen Kaisha.

Builder � Kawasaki Dockyard Co Ltd, Kobe. Yard No. 914.
IMO 5323952
Laid down - unknown.
Launched - 14th January 1952.
Service March 1952 to 8th September 1972.

Length 138.4 metres, breadth 17.3 metres. 6,295Grt.

S.S. Kashii Maru (iv), � Tom Rayner; in partial Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha livery.

S.S. KASHII MARU; a one-off steamship was built for Nittetsu Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Ishikawajima Dockyard, Tokyo. Yard N�. 718.
IMO 5182918
Laid down � 14th July 1952.
Launched - 2nd November 1952.
Service 30th January 1953 to 17th July 1973.

Length 145.2 metres, breadth 18.3 metres. 7,110Grt.

M.V. Seizan Maru (i), � A. Duncan; in partial Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha livery.

M.V. SEIZAN MARU; a motorship built for Miyachi Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Hakodate Dockyard, Hakodate. Yard No. 200.
IMO 5319092
Laid down � unknown.
Launched - 24th July 1952.
Service November 1952 to 1975.

Length 141.5 metres, breadth 18.2 metres. 6,931Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

The Hiroumi Kisen Kaisha motorship M.V. Kokei Maru in Osaka Shosen Kaisha livery......

M.V. Kokei Maru (iv), � A. Duncan; in Osaka Shosen Kaisha livery.

M.V. Kokei Maru (v), � Tom Rayner; in Osaka Shosen Kaisha livery.

M.V. KOKEI MARU; a one-off motorship built for Hiroumi Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Hiroshima. Yard N�. 108.
IMO 5191438
Laid down - 12th July 1952.
Launched - 18th October 1952.
Service 27th February 1953 to 1971.

Length 139.6 metres, breadth 18.2 metres. 6,902Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

The Nippon Shosen Kaisha steamship S.S. Kokoku Maru in other shipping lines' liveries......

S.S. Kokoku Maru (iv), � Tom Rayner; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

S.S. Kokoku Maru, � unknown; in Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha livery.

S.S. Kokoku Maru (v), � A. Duncan; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

S.S. KOKOKU MARU; a steamship built for Nippon Shosen Kaisha.

Builder � Nagoya Zosen Dockyard, Nagoya. Yard No. 102.
IMO 5191579
Laid down � unknown.
Launched - 13th February 1952.
Service April 1952 to 1963.

Length 136.9 metres, breadth 17.8 metres. 6,295Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

A Taiyo Kaiun Kaisha motorship M.V. Taian Maru wearing the colours of the parent company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha......

M.V. Taian Maru (iv), � A. Duncan.

M.V. Taian Maru (v), � unknown.

M.V. TAIAN MARU; a one-off motorship built for Taiyo Kaiun Kaisha, which was an associate and then a division of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Hitachi Zosen K.K, Innoshima. Yard N�. 3,747.
IMO 5348897
Laid down - unknown.
Launched - 29th March 1955.
Service (Taiyo Kaiun then Kawasaki Kisen) 1955 to 1978.

Length 137.4 metres, breadth 17.5 metres. 6,548Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Some other Taiyo Kaiun Kaisha motorships wearing the colours of the parent company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha......

M.V. Taigen Maru (iv), � A. Duncan.

M.V. TAIGEN MARU; a one-off motorship built for Taiyo Kaiun Kaisha, which was an associate and then a division of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Hitachi Zosen K.K, Mukaishima. Yard No. 3,693.
IMO 5349023
Laid down - 20th March 1951.
Launched - 16th September 1951.
Service (Taiyo Kaiun then Kawasaki Kisen) 28th November 1951 to 1969.

Length 137.1 metres, breadth 17.5 metres. 6,600Grt.

M.V. Taikyu Maru (iv), � unknown.

M.V. TAIKYU MARU; a one-off motorship built for Taiyo Kaiun Kaisha, which was an associate and then a division of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Hitachi Zosen K.K, Innoshima. Yard N�. 3,894.
IMO 5349293
Laid down - unknown.
Launched - 27th April 1960.
Service (Taiyo Kaiun then Kawasaki Kisen) 1960 to 1974.

Length 149.3 metres, breadth 18.8 metres. 8,739Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

A pair of Hachiuma Kisen Kaisha (Hachiuma Steamship Company) motorships in the livery of the parent company Nippon Yusen Kaisha......

M.V. Eishin Maru (i), � A. Duncan; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. EISHIN MARU; a one-off motorship built for Hachiuma Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Uraga Dockyard, Uraga. Yard N�. 641.
IMO 5099214
Laid Down � 27th December 1951.
Launched - 26th July 1952.
Service (Hachiuma Kisen then NYK) 5th November 1952 to January 1972.

Length 148.4 metres, breadth 18.8 metres. 7,690Grt.

M.V. Tamon Maru (iv), � unknown; in Nippon Yusen Kaisha livery.

M.V. TAMON MARU; a one-off motorship built for Hachiuma Kisen Kaisha.

Builder � Uraga Dockyard (Sumitomo), Uraga. Yard No. 655.
IMO 5351715
Laid Down � 16th October 1953.
Launched - 17th April 1954.
Service (Hachiuma Kisen then NYK) 5th June 1954 to 1971.

Length 148.1 metres, breadth 18.8 metres. 7,714Grt.


Terry (Caravellarella)