AKIPRESS.COM - Ferries could be set to run between Florida and Cuba for the first time in more than 50 years after the US government approved new services, reports BBC.

Services between the two countries stopped when the US imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in 1960.

But Washington announced the restoration of diplomatic ties in December last year.

The US government has now lifted the ban and a number of ferry companies say they have been given licences.

"Today's action was a great step forward," said Joseph Hinson, president of the Miami-based United Americas Shipping Services.

"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.

"This is a historical event. Thanks to President Barack Obama, to whom we are very grateful, for his leadership," the firm wrote on its Facebook page.