More than $1 million will be spent upgrading the Ports North cargo shed at Main Wharf on Thursday Island to improve infrastructure at the port.

The contract for the works, expected to be carried out over the next three months, has been awarded to local company Matt Birney Builders.

“We congratulate the company, which has a base on Thursday Island and engages local employees to carry out building construction works – an important consideration when assessing tenders,” Ports North Chairman Russell Beer said.

Mr Beer said the upgrade would improve infrastructure for the delivery of cargo to and from Thursday Island, and enhance the operating conditions for Ports North tenants, Sea Swift.

The works will involve re-sheeting the entire shed, replacing or repairing any structural framing and applying protective paint coatings.

Sea Swift will continue to operate from temporary offices and a covered area in the cargo yard to ensure the public can still public pick up and deliver freight.

However, Mr Beer said it would have to transfer its larger cargo handling to Horn Island for the duration of the works.