Command point

Command points (CP) determine how many ships an empire may field without incurring extra upkeep (5 BC per 1 extra CP generated).

Capacity
Each colony gives 1 CP by default. Some buildings give additional command points.

Occupation
Base command point consumption is as follows:

Some ship modules (like cockpit for frigates and bridge for bigger ships) reduce CP occupied by the ship, to a minimum of 1. Garrisoned ships cost 1 less CP, to a minimum of 1.