In the present paper, microstructural characterization and compression creep properties of nanostructured ferritic oxide dispersion strengthened alloys (Fe-12Cr-2W-0.5Y2O3 (in wt.%)) synthesized by mechanical alloying and vacuum hot pressing are presented. In particular, the effect of starting yttria particle size (20nm and 45μm before mechanical alloying) on microstructure and creep properties was investigated. Study of compression creep properties (at 800°C and 900°C) revealed that the ODS alloy with finer dispersoids showed higher creep resistance. Grain growth was not very significant following creep testing at 800°C (from ∼300nm in hot pressed condition to ∼550nm following creep at 800°C). Analysis of stress exponents indicates that dislocation creep is the dominant deformation mechanism at 800°C and 900°C. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.