In late 2008, the global economic recession occurred. Consequently, most shipping companies suffered operating losses on international trade during this term especially for long-haul loop services. Additionally, the sharp increase of bunker fuel price caused the bunker fuel cost for containerships to be substantially increased. Hence, selection of an appropriate steaming speed of containerships for a specific leg or loop of trade service is one of the most important decisions shipping lines have to make in order to reduce vessels' expenditure costs together with providing a good service...