Ferry services between the United States and Cuba were terminated in the early 1960s as a result of the Cuban revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power. In December of this past year, the United States and Cuba announced plans to reconcile international relations after 54 years. Now, it seems the two countries are making good on their promises.

On Tuesday, a passenger ferry service was approved to run between the United States and Cuba. The Treasury Department issued licenses to operate to at least two US companies. Miami-based Baja Ferries USA was one of the agencies that obtained a license and is part of a major shipping group with many passenger and cargo operations, including on the west coast of Mexico. Another company with a license to operate a US-Cuba ferry service is the Peurto Rico-based company, America Cruise Ferries, according to a lawyer who expedited the license application for the company.

The Daily Times reports that since the plans to mend relations between Cuba and the United States, there have been high level talks to get the first steps underway. “If all goes smoothly we could have things up and running by September,” said Joseph Hinson, vice president of Baja Ferries USA. Hinson went on to say that the company still needs to get approval from Cuban and Florida ports, but Robert Muse, a lawyer who represents Baja Ferries and specializes in Cuba sanctions says, “This is a further step in bringing Cuba and the United States closer together.”