DPS got to go 'round

Dynamic positioning allows vessels at sea to remain in position through utilization of thrusters and propellers. JOIDES Resolution relies on its six thruster pods and two ship propellers to hold its position during deep-sea drilling activities. Although there are several additional inputs necessary for the dynamic positioning system (DPS) to fully function (wind speed/current, GPS position, data from the motion reference units (MRUs), the orientation of the two ship rudders, etc.), this quilt pays tribute to those DPS parts that “go ’round”.

Here are some photos of the actual thrusters and ship propellers from when JOIDES Resolution was in Amsterdam Dry Dock (EXP 384P) in 2020. (Photos provided by Jennifer Hertzberg, IODP/JRSO DAM Administrator)

The yellow/gold colors represent the brass alloy of which the propellers are composed. The thruster blades are paired to represent the thruster pods as they exist on the ship, and they are stitched on to red fabric to represent the red color of the ship’s hull. The red fabric for the hull is a Da Gama Textile (Three Cats Shweshwe) manufactured in South Africa, where the ship departed from/returned to for my time at sea during Expedition 390. The blue spiral metallic fabric represents the motion of the water when the thrusters are rotating and is a Blank Quilting fabric. The Longarm quilting services were provided by The Old Country Store Fabrics in Intercourse, PA.

Quilt measures 59 inches tall by 39 inches wide and was completed on August 18, 2023.