This paper presents results from an experimental study of the atomisation of semi-industrial-scale sprays of heavy fuel oil. The sprays were characterised at a thermal input ranging from 0.75 to 2.0 MW. Measurements of drop size and velocity were performed with a Phase-Doppler Particle Analyser (PDPA) for inlet spray conditions corresponding to combustion studies at MIT and IFRF. Laser-sheet visualisation was used for a qualitative characterisation of the spray structure.