Green Hydrogen Hype Fades as High Costs Force Projects to Retreat
(Bloomberg) — Climate-friendly hydrogen was one of the most-hyped sectors in green energy. Now the reality of its high cost is taking its toll. In recent months, some of the...
MIAMI, May 5 (Reuters) – The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday approved licenses for passenger ferry service between the United States and Cuba, a Treasury Department official told Reuters.
One of the licenses was issued to Baja Ferries, part of a major shipping group with passengers and cargo operations, including on Mexico’s west coast, according to a lawyer who handled the license application.
Ferry services between Cuba and the United States were cut off in the early 1960s, following the Cuban revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power.
In December, the United States and Cuba announced plans to renew diplomatic relations after 54 years, and have since held high level talks.
“The ships are ready to go,” said Robert Muse, a Washington-based lawyer who represented Baja Ferries and specializes in Cuba embargo matters. “This is a further step in bringing Cuba and the United States closer together.”
The Treasury Department official from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which handles economic and trade sanctions, would not say how many licenses had been approved.
“I can confirm that OFAC has issued certain specific licenses for passenger ferry service, but we cannot provide additional details as to whom or how many,” said Hagar Chemali, a spokeswoman for the OFAC.
She noted that Cuba regulations have not changed and no general license was issued authorizing passenger ferry service to Cuba.
“Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis,” she added.
The ferry companies still need approval from the Cuban government before they can begin operations.
See Also: U.S. Dept. of Treasury Guidance on Cuba Travel – Updated May 5, 2015
(Editing by Andre Grenon)
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,912 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign UpMaritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,912 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up