HONOLULU -- Hawaii Superferry officials on Tuesday said the current economic situation has prompted the company to hold off sailing its second ship with service to the Big Island.

The company will launch service to the Big Island in about a year, Hawaii Superferry officials said. For now, the company's lone ship will continue service between Oahu and Maui.

"We're encouraged by the increased ridership we experienced this summer and by the very positive feedback we've been receiving about our service," Hawaii Superferry President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Fargo said in a written statement.

By postponing the start of the second ship, the company said it will be able to defer $10 million in start-up costs.

"Given today's economic uncertainties, this decision is both prudent and provides us with additional time to develop this market, while continuing to grow our successful Oahu and Maui service," Fargo said in the statement.

Hawaii Superferry officials said their plans still include sailing to the Big Island and Kauai.

The company is scheduled to receive the second ferry in February.

Hawaii Superferry officials said they are looking for opportunities to use the ship in other ways before it starts serving the islands.