Will ferry services soon commence between USA and Cuba?

Balearia has requested a license to operate between the US and Cuba from the US Treasury Department, after both countries announced the reestablishment of diplomatic relations. The shipping company is awaiting an official response from the US government, and the subsequent authorization from the Cuban government.

Balearia is a Spanish-origin maritime transport company that has operated in the Caribbean since late 2011 under the brand Bahamas Express, connecting Fort Lauderdale (north of Miami) and Freeport (in Grand Bahama Island). The route is now run by the ferry Bahama Mama (formerly called Alhucemas). Previously, the fast ferry Pinar del Rio that still remains in the area operated it.

If plans go ahead, the company would operate two lines between Florida and Havana Port: one with a high-speed vessel from Key West, and a second to Port Everglades.