these values are in the gameinfo folder in the research entity files for the maxcapships and maxshipslots files, it will start out at a base level, usually zero, then increase to 1 and a bit later to 3 to max out at 16 over the course of the game.
If you increase these base or number added per level, then you can increase it to whatever you like. Please be aware however if you put literally hundreds or thousands of ships into a game the game speed will drop as it tries to draw and re-draw all those ships again and again. 
Take care and let us know how it goes. Also if you have difficulty, just post your problems and we will help, take care,
-Teal