CompEx, the global competency standard for hazardous area practitioners and DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out their shared intent to explore closer collaboration in support of workforce competency, safety, and risk management in hazardous areas and explosive (Ex) atmospheres.

The MoU reflects a strong alignment between CompEx’s competency certification scheme and DNV’s global assurance and risk management business, whose shared purpose is to protect and safeguard life, property, and the environment. Both organizations recognize the increasing importance of competency, training, assessment, and assurance as industries respond to the twin challenges of maintaining safety and compliance while enabling the global energy transition.

The collaboration discussions will focus on areas of common interest, including promoting the importance of competent personnel working in hazardous areas, strengthening professional and corporate capability, and supporting organizations as they deploy new and emerging technologies such as hydrogen.

“The energy transition is reshaping skills requirements across high-hazard industries,” said Huw Bement, Managing Director, CompEx. “By working with DNV, we see a significant opportunity to reinforce the critical role that competence, assurance, and certification play in keeping people and assets safe—both today and in the future.”

Under the MoU, CompEx and DNV will explore a range of potential collaborative activities, which may include joint thought leadership on competency frameworks, contributions to industry guidance and best practice, engagement on training, assessment, and certification approaches, and coordinated participation in industry events and forums. A particular focus will be on addressing skills gaps arising from the adoption of low-carbon and emerging energy technologies.

James Steven, Business Development & Growth Manager from DNV added, “Ensuring safe and reliable operations during the energy transition depends on people, systems, and competence working together. With DNV’s over 160 years of experience in safeguarding life, property and the environment, through our research, technical expertise and relationships with key stakeholders across industries brings world leading expertise to this exciting collaboration. This MoU provides a platform for constructive dialogue with CompEx to help industry navigate new risks while maintaining the highest standards of safety and assurance.”

The announcement comes after the HazardEx Conference in Harrogate, where both organizations engaged with industry leaders, regulators, and practitioners on the future of hazardous area safety, skills, and competence. The MoU signals a shared commitment to leadership and collaboration at a time of significant technological and workforce change.