There is a rumor doing the rounds (and I stress it is only a rumor but the source is well connected) that ICG have been in discussions with a Mediterranean based ship owner with a view to purchasing two large ropax ferries built in the mid-2000's , one (possibly both) of them is thought to be a Superfast.
While I believe Irish Ferries would prefer an LNG powered newbuild to partner Ulysses (and I am told they have the financial firepower to do so) delivery time is an issue as yard space is scarce at present , and I believe there is ongoing discussions with a yard in relation to a newbuild.
It will be very interesting to see which way they go , will they order new and hold on to Epsilon while they wait , or will they kill two birds with one stone and go for a pair of secondhands to hand back Epsilon and put Oscar Wilde out to pasture , either way I am told a decision will be made in Q1 of 2015.