Traditionally, economic assessment is based on
a comparison of two solutions: a solution with
a proposed project and a reference solution
(that is, a solution without a proposed project).
In the case of a proposed expansion versus a
greenfield project, the reference solution corresponds
to a solution in which the existing port
infrastructure would evolve without modernization
or expansion.
The assessment is based on a differential costbenefit
analysis. The costs and benefits are
assessed in terms of economic value. This has a
dual implication in terms of methodology: