Hashima-class cable layer


The Hashima-class cable layers were the only class of purpose-built cable layers of the Imperial Japanese Navy, serving during World War II. Four vessels were built in 1939–41 under the Maru 4 Programme.
Apart from laying communications cables, these ships were also designed as mine planters, for the installation of controlled mines in coastal fortifications.

Ships in class

Project number J21.
ShipBuilderLaid downLaunchedCompletedFate

ex-Hatsushima		Kawasaki,
Kōbe Shipyard		15 October 1939
as Hatsushima		10 April 194025 October 1940
as Hashima		Renamed Hashima on 25 October 1940. Sunk by off Owase on 28 April 1945. Decommissioned on 10 July 1945.
Kawasaki,
Kōbe Shipyard		15 January 194024 May 194028 March 1941Decommissioned on 30 November 1945. Transferred to Ministry of Communications and Transportation and renamed Tsurushima Maru in 1945. Transferred to Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation on 8 September 1951. Retired in March 1968.
Harima Zōsen22 April 194011 December 194031 July 1941Sunk by air raid off Kusagaki Islands on 27 March 1945. Decommissioned on 10 July 1945.
Harima Zōsen22 April 19401 March 194131 August 1941Sunk by air raid in South China Sea on 21 March 1945. Decommissioned on 10 May 1945.