What does +XP refer to in tech descriptions of Endless Space?

What does +XP refer to in tech descriptions of Endless Space? For instance, in "Hardened Framing", its description is given as: "+6 ship XP on building on star system". Does this mean the built ship gets +6 hit points, or the hero leading the system (if there is one) would get 6 experience points for each ship built in that system? I am asking because the font is small enough on my system that the description might be "+6 ship HP on building on star system", and for close quarter slug fests at the start of the game, I could use all the edges I can find.