SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — The state of Baja California continues to conduct studies and assessments on a San Diego-to-Ensenada ferry concept that might include stops in Rosarito and Tijuana in the future.

Kurt Honold Morales, Baja’s Secretary of the Economy and Innovation, said service was supposed to begin this summer but is now scheduled to start by the end of the year.

“The launch has been postponed on several occasions since the summer, the latest reason is mechanical issues with the vessel itself,” he said.

He told reporters on Thursday that in the meantime, the state is going ahead with plans to refurbish docking areas in Ensenada to meet specifications provided by the ferry company, Azteca Ferries.

According to Honold Morales, they are also conducting assessments to expand service once it begins.

“The federal government wants us to conduct feasibility studies to determine where the ferry could land in Rosarito and Tijuana in the future,” he said.

He added the ferry will have a capacity of 300 passengers, with car service to be added at a later date.

Azteca Ferry tells Border Report its proposal has been accepted “as viable” by the Port of San Diego to allow it to enter the harbor and dock.

A spokesperson for the Port of San Diego says at this point it cannot confirm whether operators have cleared all procedural requirements and permits to allow Azteca Ferries to do business in San Diego.