WCSG2026 Medals recycled from Ships Steel
KULTURVÆRFT is proudly supplying the great WCSG2026, with unique medals, telling the story of an old freight ship, MS FRYKEN, build in Denmark in 1938 and now 90 years later, being recycled in Frederikshavn. Upcycle the story.
MS Fryken
From a life at sea to a place on the podium.
Built at Aalborg Shipyard in 1938, MS Fryken spent decades sailing routes between Sweden, the United Kingdom and ports across Northern Europe. After nearly 90 years as a cargo vessel and later as a museum ship, Fryken completed its final voyage to Frederikshavn, where the ship was dismantled at the end of 2025.
But the story does not end there.
As part of WCSG2026, steel from the ship has been given a new purpose and transformed into medals for the participants. In this way, a piece of Nordic maritime history – built in Denmark and preserved through generations – continues its journey around the world as a lasting memory of the World Company Sport Games 2026 in Frederikshavn.
From Ship Steel to Medals
The transformation of MS Fryken into the official medals of WCSG2026 is the result of a unique collaboration between local companies, craftsmen, volunteers and event partners in Frederikshavn.
The project is led by JATOB ApS, Arena Nord and KULTURVÆRFT, with additional contributions from DOF Frederikshavn, Orskov Yard, RC Skilte and other local partners. Together, they have given new life to steel from the historic vessel, transforming it into gold, silver and bronze medals for more than 2,700 participants from 28 nations.
What began as a chance discovery of one of Fryken’s old lifeboats soon developed into an ambitious idea: to preserve part of the ship’s legacy and turn it into something meaningful for a new generation.
From left: Per Malmberg, Arena Nord – Jan Michael Madsen, KULTURVÆRFT – Jakob Leon Kristensen, JATOB – Ole Johansen, KULTURVÆRFT.
Photo: Søren Qvist.
The result is more than a medal
Each medal represents craftsmanship, maritime heritage, sustainability and strong local collaboration. Rather than disappearing anonymously at the end of its service life, parts of MS Fryken will continue their journey around the world as symbols of achievement, community and shared experiences.
For the participants of World Company Sport Games 2026, the medals are not only a reward for sporting performance. They are a tangible piece of Frederikshavn’s maritime history and a reminder that great events are created through partnerships, creativity and the willingness to give old materials a new purpose.
The medal project reflects the spirit of WCSG2026 itself – bringing together local, national and international partners to create something that lasts beyond the event.
Sustainability in Action
At Arena Nord, sustainability is more than certifications, reports and long-term goals. It is also about the practical choices we make every day and the way we design experiences for our guests and participants.
One of the most visible examples during WCSG2026 is the official medal programme.
The project reflects the same principles that guide Arena Nord’s sustainability efforts as a Green Sport Facility: responsible use of resources, strong local partnerships and creating long-term value through innovative thinking.
In this way, the medals are more than a symbol of sporting achievement. They are also a symbol of how history, sustainability and community can come together to create something meaningful and lasting.
From Cargo Ship to Medal – Step by Step
1. Recovering the Steel
The journey begins aboard MS Fryken, where suitable sections of the ship’s steel hull are carefully selected and removed for reuse.
2. Surface Preparation
The recovered steel is transported to DOF in Frederikshavn, where it is sandblasted and prepared for further processing.
3. Cutting the Medal Blanks
At Orskov Yard, the medal blanks are cut from the ship steel using plasma cutting technology. The pieces are then tumbled to remove sharp edges and create a uniform surface.
4. Precision Machining
Each medal blank is machined to create a recessed area that will later hold the embossed medal emblem.
5. Maritime Heritage in Every Ribbon
For decades, the cargo hatches of MS Fryken were protected by heavy-duty tarpaulins. These materials are now repurposed into the medal hangers and carefully cleaned before assembly.
6. Upcycled Textile Pouches
At the KULTURVÆRFT workshop, surplus textiles are selected and transformed into custom-made drawstring pouches for each medal.
7. Assembly and Finishing
All components are assembled by hand at KULTURVÆRFT.
The steel medals are cleaned, inspected and fitted with a QR code that tells the story of their origin. The embossed medal emblem is attached, the hanger is mounted, and every medal undergoes a final quality check.
8. Ready for WCSG2026
Each medal is placed in its custom-made pouch before being packed and delivered to World Company Sport Games 2026 in Arena Nord, Frederikshavn.
Every Medal Has a Story
No two medals are exactly alike.
The steel was once part of a working cargo ship that sailed the seas for nearly 90 years. Through local craftsmanship, creativity and circular thinking, the material has been transformed into medals that celebrate new achievements and new stories at World Company Sport Games 2026.
A piece of maritime history.
A symbol of performance.
A reminder that sustainability can be turned into action.
More MS Fryken data
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