SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Ferry service between Ensenada, Baja California and San Diego has yet to receive both U.S. federal and California permits to begin service, and until it does, it will not be allowed to operate, according to the Port of San Diego.
The El Sol Newspaper in Tijuana had reported the actual ferry to be used in the daily excursions from Baja to San Diego was to arrive in the port of Ensenada on Monday.
It did not; arrival is now expected Aug. 8.
During the weekend, Ensenada Mayor Claudia Agatón announced on social media that the ferry’s operation was “official” calling it “the easiest, most comfortable and panoramic way to cross the border.”
Azteca Ferries, the company that will provide the service, is already advertising fare information on its website.
It’s also posting departure and arrival times for its two daily sailings.
Kurt Honold Morales, Baja California’s Secretary of Economy and Innovation, says the ferry service has met all requirements and has obtained necessary state and federal permits on both sides of the border.
But the Port of San Diego, which controls docks, piers and the land along the perimeter of San Diego Bay, is telling a different story.
“Azteca Ferries, the service provider for the ferry, has been conducting due diligence, procuring a vessel, and performing necessary upgrades to the vessel in alignment with California’s clean air standards and regulations,” read a statement from the Port of San Diego’s Communications Office. “Additional research will also be needed, as well as approvals from various state and federal agencies.”
The port’s statement goes on to say without compliance the company cannot perform test sailings.
“The Port is in support of a trial run once all requirements are met.”
This maritime service has been proposed as an alternative to crossing the border on foot or in a car, which can take hours to accomplish on most days.
The ferry is supposed to make the 70-mile journey in about 2.5 hours and charge anywhere from $50 to $60 per passenger.
Border Report reached out to Azteca Ferries about this story, but our emails have not been returned.
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