As you see on the image engine, lights and laser have got gloom effect. Ships have got gloom effect+shadow, so when ships will be one on another you will be able to see the contrast between them.

By the way on this image I have used:
Conflictx New Shield Effect
Jon Micheelsen ExplosionsV12
Some ship names:
Thor, Preacher, Narwhal, Vivisector, Fearless, Vali, Skiron... etc.
Installation instructions:
1.Extract .zip file to Distant Worlds folder.
2.Go to Distant Worlds\Shipset\images\units\ships, change the ship folder name from (family9a/family9b)
to (familyx) where x is the number of the family you want to be replaced.
3.Start the game, change the theme from the main manu to 'Shipset'.
4.Start new game and enjoy new look of real battle.
Download Link:
http://www.gamefront.com/files/21331023/New+Shipset.rar