The ferries will be allowed to carry cargo to Cuba (photo:sun-sentinel.com)

(VOVworld) – The US has authorized commercial ferry service to Cuba for the first time in more than 50 years. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) confirmed that licenses have been issued and a Florida-based shipping services company has received approval to start offering commercial service to Cuba. The company’s president, Joseph Hinson, called it a great step forward and said the first trip will take some time because further permissions are still needed from authorities in both countries. The ferries will be allowed to carry cargo to Cuba. Florida’s Key West Island is just 150km from Cuba.