Hikawa Maru-class ocean liner


The Hikawa Maru-class ocean liner was a class of ocean liners of Japan, serving during the 1930s, and after World War II.

Background

In 1927-28, the NYK Line placed an order for eight ocean liners to reinforce the Japan-Seattle route, Japan-San Francisco route, and Japan-London route. The Hikawa Maru class were named the Hikawa Maru, Hiye Maru and Heian Maru.

Service

Hikawa Maru was completed on 25 April 1930. Her maiden voyage was 13 May 1930 for Yokohama-Seattle. Arrived at Seattle on 27 May. She sailed 73 times until August 1941. Her service was popular, and the cuisine was well-regarded, as NYK Line employed a chef trained in Europe.
Hie Maru was completed on 31 July 1930. Her maiden voyage was 23 August 1930 from Kobe.
Heian Maru was completed on 24 November 1930. Her maiden voyage was 18 December 1930 from Hong Kong.
All of them were enlisted by the Imperial Japanese Navy in October–November 1941.

Service in World War II

Hikawa Maru was classified to auxiliary hospital ship on 1 December 1941, and she was assigned to the 4th Fleet.Hie Maru was classified to auxiliary submarine tender on 15 February 1942, and she was assigned to the 6th Fleet.Heian Maru was classified to auxiliary submarine tender on 15 October 1941, and she was assigned to the 6th Fleet.