Kristjan Palusalu was a bulk carrier that belonged to the Estonian Shipping Company.

From September 1991 to December 1992, Kristjan Palusalu traveled consecutively from Tampa, USA, to Qingdao, China, Singapore, Wallaroo and Giles in Australia, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Durban in South Africa, Yakacık in Turkey, and Houston, USA.

Upon hearing the news, the crew raised the Estonian flag and painted over the ship-owner's logo themselves.

[citation needed] On 29 February 1996, the ship ran aground between Germany and Denmark in the Kadetrenden sea pass.

After the water level rose by 55 cm, the ship continued its journey under its own power.