Shinshu Maru
1935
(Hai 118)
- Class: 1 landing ship of 1934
- Displacement: 9,000 tons
- Dimensions: 492 x 72 x 27 ft.
- Machinery: 2-shaft geared turbines, S.H.P. 8,000 = 19 knots
- Armament: 5-75mm AA; 26 small floatplanes; 20 Diahatsu landing craft
- Complement:
- Builder: Harima Shipbuilding Co, Harima, Japan, 1935
- Notes: Shinshu Maru was the first ship in the world specially designed to carry landing craft. Designed and ordered by the Japanese Army in great secrecy, but taken over by the Navy during construction. Launched landing craft through stern doors, while a crane and slings were used to discharge stores and vehicles through ports on the sides. Active in operations against China before Pearl Harbor.
During the war she was also known as Ryujo Maru and Fuso Maru for security reasons. Sunk in shallow water off Java 1 Mar 1942, probably by an errant torpedo from destroyer Fubuki. Raised and repaired in 1943. Badly damaged by submarine torpedo 3 Jan 1945 and then sunk by aircraft two days later between Manila and Takao.
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