Esso Bermuda is expected to fork out $900,000 to repair a pipeline blamed for an oil spill last year.

The bill is almost double the amount originally estimated by Esso chiefs.

Critical faults in the steel nine-mile pipeline have already been corrected with high-tech gear.

But further repairs would be carried out this year and next -- and part of the pipe would be replaced, said Esso Bermuda general manger Mr. Keith Hollis.

The work would be done "well ahead of the time frame that would pose any risk to safety or the environment'', he added.

It was in October, 1994 that oil spilled into the sea at the Coney Island Causeway.

Hundreds of gallons of oil leaked out of the ruptured pipeline, leaving two thick, black pools either side of the bridge between Coney Island and Seabreeze Oval. Thanks to a sudden wind shift, Bermuda escaped major pollution.

Mr. Hollis said the spill was traced to a small hole in the wall of the pipe, which runs between the Esso Terminal at Ferry Reach, St. George's, and the Bermuda Electric Light Company.

Exxon Research and Engineering Company linked up with Esson Bermuda to carry out emergency work on the pipe.

With the help of state-of-the-art equipment -- dubbed "Intelligent Pig'' -- an investigation was also carried out into the condition of the pipe.

The technology involves sending a computerised device through the pipe and taking readings.

It enabled investigators to X-ray the full length of the pipe, uncover any faults, including leaks, and pinpoint where they were.

Mr. Hollis said pipeline in the Coney Island Causeway area would be replaced this year, along with several shorter sections in the Railway right-of-way near Bailey's Bay and Crawl. Another stretch of piping would be replaced in 1996.

The new specially coated pipeline was on order, and is expected to arrive in Bermuda on August 7.

"Esso plans to move ahead promptly and complete the on-land replacement prior to year-end.

"The underwater sections are scheduled for the better weather in the spring and summer of 1996.'' Mr. Hollis said the "Intelligent Pig'' technology had left Esso and Exxon extremely confident.

"All critical defects have already been removed. Those remaining areas needing attention have been addressed and will be replaced in 1995 and 1996, well ahead of the time frame that would pose any risk to safety or the environment.

"Having performed an `Intelligent Pig' investigation of the pipeline in 1995, Esso now has an accurate benchmark of the overall condition of the pipeline.'' Mr. Hollis put the cost of repairs at about $900,000 -- compared to an estimate last year of $500,000.