Water Line Series
TOHO MARU Japanese Naval Special Aux.Tanker
The Kyokuto Marus were completed in 1934 for the Iino Syozi K.K. line, probably with the help of subsidies from the Japanese Navy, which drafted the vessels prior to war breaking out. Very similar vessels (which we also list with this class) were built by a number of other companies before the war.
It is significant that two-thirds of these irreplaceable underway replenishment oilers were committed to supporting thePearl Harbour strike.