Maritime New Zealand has demanded an overhaul of the way Cook Strait ferries operate in heavy weather after railway wagons were damaged, cars smashed and passengers hurt during one sailing.

By MURDOCH, Helen The bulk iron-sand carrier Taharoa Express anchored safely in Tasman Bay near Nelson last night after listing heavily when its cargo shifted. The 275m, 143-tonne vessel, with 25 crew, got into trouble at 2.30am yesterday in rough seas about 80km off Cape Egmont.