Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers, the sterilization apparatus comprising a first carousel for supporting a plurality of sterilization devices, the sterilization devices being adapted to sterilize an interior of the packaging containers by electron beam irradiation, and a transport system for transporting the packaging containers, the transport system comprising a second carousel coaxial with the first carousel, wherein the first carousel comprises a first rotatable shaft and the second carousel comprises a separate second rotatable shaft coaxial with the first rotatable shaft.