MIAMI (CBS4) – For the first time in half a century, a cargo ship carrying humanitarian supplies is on it’s way to Havana, Cuba.

According to the AFP, the Ana Cecilia left a cargo terminal on the Miami River for the 17 hour journey. Crews will drop supplies off without ever stepping onto Cuban land.

Officials at International Port Corp had to get a special permit from the government which complies with the U.S. trade embargo with the island nation. They say none of the goods are for re-sale.

“This first ship, the Ana Cecilia, left with humanitarian shipments, and we are assured that there was nothing to be sold in Cuba,” shipping company spokesman Leonardo Sanchez-Adega told AFP.

The Ana Cecilia will return to Miami and make weekly trips to deliver more supplies.

Source: AFP