The present invention relates to a star conveyor (1) and to a gripper device (2) for such a star conveyor or similar conveying unit, comprising gripper arms (4) arranged in a corresponding manner in pairs for gripping and holding a vessel (3) or similar body in a gripped position, wherein the gripper device (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) that is independent of the gripper arms (4). Said positioning element is designed such that it positions the vessel (3) to be gripped at least along one axis in the gripped position.