A subsea pumping assembly locates on a seafloor for pumping well fluid
from subsea wells to the level. The pumping assembly has a tubular outer
housing that is at least partially embedded in the seafloor. A tubular
primary housing locates in the outer housing and has a lower end with a
receptacle. An annular space surrounds the primary housing within the
outer housing for delivering fluid to a receptacle at the lower end of
the primary housing. A capsule is lowered in and retrieved from the
primary housing. The capsule sealingly engages the receptacle for
receiving well fluid from the annular space. A submersible pump is
located inside the capsule. The pump has an intake that receives well
fluid and a discharge that discharges the well fluid exterior of this
capsule. The capsule has a valve in its inlet that when closed prevents
leakage of well fluid from the capsule. The capsule may be retrieved
through open sea without a riser.