US-Cuba relations: Washington approves ferry services from Florida to Cuba
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Version 0 of 1. Ferries could run between Florida and Cuba for the first time in over 50 years after the US government approved new services. Transport via ferry was ended between the two countries after the US imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in 1960. However a number of companies have said they have been given licences since the ban was lifted, the BBC reported. Joseph Hinson, president of the Miami-based United Americas Shipping Services, said: "If all goes smoothly we could have things up and running by September." Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said it also had a licence. "Havana Ferry Partners LLC has received [approval] from the US Treasury Department, OFAC and the US Commerce Department to operate our passenger/cargo ferry from four Florida ports to Havana, Cuba," the firm wrote on its Facebook page. "This is a Historical event. Thanks to President Barack Obama, to whom we are very grateful, for his leadership." Despite the introduction of new flights and ferry services, a travel ban on Cuba is still in place for most American citizens. Ferries will also be allowed to transport cargo to Cuba, which sits 150km (90 miles) from southern Florida. Ferry service is the latest example of improving relations between Cuba and the US, after President Obama announced that the two countries were re-establishing business and trade ties following decades of Cold War separation. |