The link would be the fastest connection between Montenegro and Western Europe and would help enhance tourism for both nations, the government said in a press release.
The Ancona-Bar link would reduce to ten hours travel time for citizens travelling from the north of Italy to Bar, Adria Ferries CEO Alberta Rossi was quoted as saying.
According to local media reports, Montenegrin state-controlled maritime transport company Barska Plovidba last year planned to operate the Bar-Ancona line from June to September but scrapped the plan due to lack of a suitable vessel.