The exploitation phase of a port project includes the operational use by the terminal
operator or user (in addition to the maintenance of the infrastructure). For dealing
with the risks in this phase, mechanisms are incorporated in the contracts with the
user. A typical contract or concession will include an agreement over the time in
which the investment must be earned back, the cargo guarantees with the user, as well
as the discounts and supplements offered. Monitoring of risks in the exploitation
phase is limited to the physical state of the civil infrastructure.