Shimane Maru Escort Carrier

Shimane Maru was a Japanese wartime escort-carrier conversion associated with merchant-tanker construction. It was completed near the end of the Second World War, when shortages of aircraft, fuel, and trained personnel restricted Japan’s ability to use new flight decks effectively. It did not develop the long operational carrier career implied by earlier fleet-carrier designs.

The conversion added a simple flight deck to a tanker-derived hull, prioritizing rapid availability rather than the capabilities of a purpose-built fleet carrier. Merchant conversion imposed limitations on speed, hangar arrangements, and aviation support. Japan’s worsening sea communications and bombing damage further constrained any useful deployment. Shimane Maru was sunk by Allied aircraft in Japanese waters in July 1945. Its career is therefore best understood as a late emergency construction effort that reached completion too late to change Japan’s declining carrier position.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in Global War 1936, Global Empires, and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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