MaritimeDirect, originally one of the most ambitious of the shipping internet projects, appears to be out of business for good, despite saying last week it was only suspending operations.

A goodbye letter posted on the website says an attempt to restructure has proved impossible and blames insurmountable legal obstacles for its demise.

New York-based MaritimeDirect was facing legal action from the UK recruitment company, Spinnaker Consulting, over unpaid bills.